PROVENA FOODS INC
10-K, 1999-03-18
SAUSAGES & OTHER PREPARED MEAT PRODUCTS
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<PAGE>
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549
                                   FORM 10-K
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998

Commission File Number 1-10741

                              PROVENA FOODS INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE> 
<S>                                                                                   <C> 
                        California                                                                   95-2782215
- -------------------------------------------------------------                         ---------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)                        (I.R.S. employer identification number)

       5010 Eucalyptus Avenue, Chino, California                                                      91710
- -------------------------------------------------------------                         ---------------------------------------
       (Address of principal executive offices)                                                     (ZIP code)
</TABLE> 

                                (909) 627-1082
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

    Title of each class               Name of each exchange on which registered
- -----------------------------         -----------------------------------------
      COMMON STOCK                            AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the act:  None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     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 
                                                -----      -----

     The aggregate market value of Provena Foods Inc. Common Stock held by 
non-affiliates as of February 20, 1999 was $8,402,993.

     The number of shares of Provena Foods Inc. Common Stock outstanding on 
February 20, 1999 was 2,922,780.

     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 any definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         1998 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

                               Table of Contents

<TABLE>
Item                                                                                                     Page
- ----                                          PART 1                                                     ----
                                              ------
<S>                                                                                                      <C>
1.   Business ............................................................................................ 1

2.   Properties .......................................................................................... 4

3.   Legal Proceedings ................................................................................... 5

4.   Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ................................................ 5

                                              PART 11
                                              -------

5.   Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters ............................ 5

6.   Selected Financial Data ............................................................................. 7

7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ............... 8

8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ......................................................... 11

9.   Disagreements on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ................................................ 11

                                              PART 111
                                              --------

10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant .................................................. 11

11.  Executive Compensation .............................................................................. 12

12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management ...................................... 14

13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions ...................................................... 14

                                              PART IV
                                              -------

14.  Exhibits, Financial Statements Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K ................................... 15

                                             -------------

     Signatures .......................................................................................... 16
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART 1
                                    ------
ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General
- -------

     Registrant (the "Company") is a California-based specialty food processor
engaged in the supply of food products to other food processors, distributors
and canners. Its primary products are pepperoni and Italian-style sausage sold
to frozen pizza processors, pizza restaurant chains and food distributors and
dry pasta sold to food processors and canners, private label producers and food
distributors. The Company's products are sold throughout the United States but
primarily in the Western United States.

     The Company's meat processing business is conducted through the Swiss
American Sausage Co. Division ("Swiss American" or "Swiss"), and its pasta
business is conducted through the Royal-Angelus Macaroni Company Division
("Royal-Angelus" or "Royal"). The Company acquired its present businesses
between 1972 and 1975. The predecessor of Swiss was founded in 1922 and the two
predecessors to Royal, Royal Macaroni Company and Angelus Macaroni Mfg. Co.,
were founded in 1878 and 1946, respectively. The Company was incorporated in
1972 in California with an initial capitalization of approximately $212,000.

     The Company's competitive strategy is to emphasize providing products of 
predictable quality and consistency at competitive prices as well as prompt and
reliable service.  The Company attempts to establish, refine and maintain 
procedures to assure that the Company's products comply with its customers' 
specifications and are delivered in a manner that will satisfy their delivery 
and production requirements.

     For financial information about each of the Company's two divisions, see
the segment data contained in Note 11 of Notes to Financial Statements.

Swiss American Sausage Co. Meat Division
- ----------------------------------------

     During the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, sales by Swiss accounted
for 62.7% and 69.3%, respectively, of the Company's net sales. The Company's
processed meat products are sold primarily to pizza restaurant chains, pizza
processors and food service distributors. Pizza processors produce prepared
pizza which is sold primarily as frozen pizza in food markets. Food service
distributors supply food to delicatessens, restaurants and other retail
businesses offering prepared food. The Company's meat products are sold
nationally, but most of its sales are made to customers located in the Western
United States. The Company also sells processed meat products to the U.S.
Government. The Company does not have supply agreements with its major
customers, many of whom purchase some of their meat products from other
suppliers.

     Swiss competes with numerous producers of processed meats, many of which 
are larger and have greater financial resources than the Company.  Swiss's 
competitors include large national meat packers such as Hormel Foods 
Corporation, as well as smaller regional meat processors.  Pizza processors that
manufacture their own meat products diminish the market for Swiss's products.  
The Company competes in the meat processing business by emphasizing predictable 
quality and consistency.

     The meat processing activities of the Company were conducted at its 
facilities in San Francisco, California, until the main plant was destroyed by 
a fire on August 1, 1998.  A new Company meat plant is under construction in 
Lathrop, California, scheduled for completion in the 1st half of 1999.  The 
Company estimates the theoretical production capacity of its San Francisco plant
was 27,000,000 pounds per year.  The Company did not have space within its San 
Francisco plant to increase its capacity, but the plant's capacity was adequate 
for the contemplated needs of Swiss.  The new plant is intended to be a higher 
production capacity plant with the capability of expansion.  See ITEM 2.  
PROPERTIES.

     The meat processing activities of Swiss are typified by its processing of 
pepperoni, its principal product, which consists of the following steps: (i) the
purchase of beef and pork trimmings with a guaranteed lean content; (ii) the 
blending of the meat into the Company's meat product while carefully controlling
the consistency and content of the product; (iii) the addition of spices and 
preservatives to the product; (iv) the extrusion of the product into sausage 
casings; (v) the oven cooking of the product in the casings; and (vi) the drying
of the cooked product.  Throughout the production process, the Company subjects 
its meat products to quality control inspection for the purposes of satisfying 
U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, meeting customer specifications and 
assuring a consistent quality of the products to the Company's customers.

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
     In addition to pepperoni and sausage, the Company processes a relatively 
small amount of other meat products, including crumbles which are quick-frozen 
nuggets of a pre-cooked meat product, such as the sausage on a sausage pizza.  
The crumbles line extrudes the ground and blended ingredients into nuggets which
are cooked and quick-frozen in one continuous operation.


Royal-Angelus Macaroni Company Pasta Division
- ---------------------------------------------

     During the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, sales by Royal-Angelus 
accounted for 37.3% and 30.7%, respectively, of the Company's net sales.  The 
Company sells its pasta products primarily to food processors and canners, 
private label customers, food service distributors, and specialty food 
distributors.

     Royal's food processor and canner customers use the Company's pasta to
produce retail products in which pasta is an ingredient, such as pasta salads,
soups and entrees. Royal's private label customers are regional and national
food suppliers that sell pasta under their own labels, purchased in bulk from
the Company or packaged by the Company. Royal's food service distributor
customers supply pasta to restaurants, institutional purchasers, and some retail
establishments. The Company also sells its pasta products to government
agencies, the military, schools and other pasta manufacturers.

     Beginning in the latter part of 1987, the Company's pasta products have 
been produced at Royal-Angelus' production plant in Chino, California.  In April
1995, the Company purchased a building adjacent to the pasta plant and currently
occupies 40% of the building as part of its pasta plant and leases 60% to a 
tenant through February 2001.  The pasta plant has a theoretical production 
capacity estimated at 30,000,000 pounds per year, adequate for the foreseeable 
production needs of Royal.

     In the basic pasta production process, durum semolina flour is mixed with 
water and the mixture is extruded into one of many shapes, cut to the proper 
length, dried, packaged and shipped to the Company's customers.  If required by
the particular variety of pasta, a different flour is used or flour is blended 
with egg powder, vegetable powder or other ingredients before the water is 
added.  No preservatives are used in making pasta.

     Royal-Angelus competes with several national and regional pasta 
manufacturers, many of which have greater financial resources than the Company. 
The Company competes in the pasta business by emphasizing predictable quality 
and consistency and by its capability of producing a larger variety of pastas 
with shorter lead times and production runs than most of its larger 
competitors.


Suppliers
- ---------

     The primary ingredients used by the Company in processed meat products are 
beef, pork, spices and casings and in pasta products are flour, egg powder and 
vegetable powder.  The ingredients are purchased from suppliers at prevailing 
market prices.  The Company has not recently experienced any shortages in the 
supply of ingredients and generally expects the ingredients to continue to be 
available for the foreseeable future.

      Since August 1, 1998, when fire destroyed the main meat plant, the meat
division has attempted to maintain volume until the new meat plant is
operational by purchasing products from other suppliers for its customers, but
the meat division's sales have been almost $1,000,000 per month lower since the
fire. Business interruption insurance, to a large extent, covers the increased
cost of purchasing from suppliers.


Patents, Trademarks and Licenses
- --------------------------------

      The Company owns no patents. It owns the United States registered
trademarks "Royal" with the crown design and "Vegeroni" for use on pasta
products and licenses from the Del Monte Company until 2009 the United States
registered trademark "Capo di Monte" for use on meat products. Registrations of
the trademarks owned by the Company must be and are renewed from time to time.
Royal, Vegeroni and Capo di Monte are used on consumer products in limited
distribution. No substantial portion of the Company's sales is dependent upon
any trademark.

                                    -2-   
<PAGE>
 
Commodity Price Fluctuations and Availability
- ---------------------------------------------

    The Company contracts to sell its products at a fixed price for production 
and delivery in the future (generally four to six months or less).  The Company 
is, therefore, subject to the risk of price fluctuations with respect to its 
product ingredients from the time the Company contracts with its customers until
the time the Company purchases the commodities used to fill the orders.  Prices
for meat and flour, the Company's major product ingredients, fluctuate widely 
based upon supply, market speculation, governmental trade and agricultural 
policies, and other unpredictable factors.

     The Company is able to contract to fixed prices for delivery of domestic 
beef and pork up to 30 days in advance, imported beef and sometimes pork up to 
90 days in advance, and flour up to 90 days or more in advance.  The Company 
generally covers its committed sales by purchasing commodities at fixed prices 
for future delivery, but is subject to the risk of commodity price fluctuations 
when in contracts for sales beyond the period it can cover or when it orders 
commodities in anticipation of sales.

Effects of Inflation
- --------------------

      It is the Company's general policy, subject to current competitive
conditions, to pass on increases in costs of commodities used in production by
increasing prices of the products it sells to its customers. However, because
the Company agrees on the price of its products to its customers in advance of
purchasing the product ingredients, there may be a delay in passing on
increasing commodity costs to customers, temporarily decreasing profit margins.
Competitive conditions may limit the Company's ability to pass on commodity
price increases to its customers, prolonging or increasing the adverse effect on
profit margins.

Marketing and Distribution
- --------------------------

      The Company's processed meat and pasta products have been marketed 
primarily by the Company's management personnel, food brokers, and four 
full-time salaried sales people.  Because the Company sells most of its 
processed meat and pasta products to customers who either further process the 
products before they reach the consumer or sell the products under private 
labels, the Company does not advertise its products in a manner designed to
reach the ultimate consumer.

Dependency on a Limited Number of Large Customer
- ------------------------------------------------

      A substantial portion of the Company's revenues has in recent years 
resulted from sales to a few customers.  See Note 11 of Notes to Financial 
Statements.  The Company does not enter into continuing sales contracts with its
customers, and has different major customers from time to time.  The following 
table shows, by division and for the Company, the percentage of sales 
represented by the Company's largest customers for the year ended December 31, 
1998:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>       


                              Number of          Division    Company
             Division         Customers          Sales%      Sales%
             --------         ---------          ------      ------ 
           <S>                <C>                <C>         <C> 
            Swiss American        3                54%         34%
            Royal-Angelus         1                13%          5%
                                 ---                           ---
                  Totals          4                            39% 
</TABLE> 

      The Company fills orders as they are received from its customers, normally
within a few weeks or less, and does not have a meaningful backlog of orders for
its products. The Company carries significant inventories of its products for
only a few major customers, and does not provide extended payment terms to
customers.

Food Industry Risks
- -------------------

      The business of the Company is subject to the risks inherent in the food
industry, including the risks that a food product or ingredient may be banned or
its use limited or declared unhealthful, that product tampering or contamination
will require a recall or reduce sales of a product, or that a product's
acceptability will diminish because of generally perceived health concerns or
changes in consumer tastes.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
Employees
- ---------

     As of December 31, 1998, the Company employed 115 full-time employees, 50
in production at Swiss in San Francisco, California, 50 in production at Royal-
Angelus in Chino, California, 6 in clerical and office functions, 4 in sales
activities, and 5 in management activities.

     The Company's San Francisco plant employees are represented by the United 
Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 101, AFL-CIO, under a collective 
bargaining agreement renewed April 1, 1998 to expire March 31, 2002.  There has 
been no significant labor unrest at the division's plants and the Company 
believes it has a satisfactory relationship with its employees.

Health Benefits
- ---------------

     The Company provides health insurance benefits to its non-union employees
and their dependents on a self-funded basis. The Company is insured for the
excess over $40,000 of claims of any covered person incurred and paid during the
year, but is self-funded for claims up to $40,000. The Company is exposed to the
risk of an extraordinary number of significant claims but not one or more very
large claims.

Regulation
- ----------

     Food products purchased, processed and sold by the Company are subject to 
various federal, state and local laws and regulations, including the federal 
Meat Inspection Act and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Since January 
25, 1999, the Company has qualified for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 
Hazardous and Analysis Critical Control Points Program which enables the Company
to self-inspect its meat products and production conditions and techniques. As 
required by law, U.S. Department of Agriculture employees visit the Company's 
plant to inspect meat products processed by the Company and to review the 
Company's compliance with the program. The Company is also subject to various 
federal, state and local regulations regarding workplace health and safety, 
environmental protection, equal employment opportunity and other matters.  The 
Company maintains quality control departments at both its San Francisco and 
Chino facilities for purposes of testing product ingredients and finished 
products to ensure the production of products of predictable quality and 
consistency, as well as compliance with applicable regulations and standards.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

     The Company's original meat processing plant was an approximately 48,000 
square foot facility located in San Francisco, which was destroyed by fire on 
August 1, 1998.  In 1990 the Company occupied, under a lease expiring in 2001, 
an approximately 45,000 square foot facility near its main plant which it 
improved by building a dryer and relocating its slicing operations. The 
theoretical production capacity of the meat plant, before the fire, was 
estimated at 27,000,000 pounds per year, adequate for the currently contemplated
needs of the division, but the plant did not have space to increase the 
production capacity or the variety of meat products which could be produced. The
Company has under construction an approximately 85,000 square foot building, 
planned before the fire and scheduled to be completed in the 1st half of 1999,
to provide a more efficient and higher production capacity meat plant, with the 
capability of expansion to increase capacity or product variety. See Liquidity 
and Capital Resources under Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

     The Company's pasta production plant is an approximately 41,000 square foot
facility located in Chino, California, occupied by the Company since 1987. In 
April 1995, the Company purchased an approximately 44,000 square foot building 
adjacent to the pasta plant and currently occupies 40% of the building for pasta
warehousing and leases 60% to a cold storage manufacturer through February 2001.
The Chino plant, after the addition of a third short goods production line in 
1996, has a theoretical production capacity estimated at 30,000,000 pounds 
annually, adequate to fulfill the foreseeable needs of the of the pasta 
division, and with the capability of expansion.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     The Company is involved in routine claims and litigation incidental to its 
business. Management believes that none will have a material adverse effect on 
the Company's business or financial condition.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     The Company held its annual meeting of shareholders on Tuesday, April 21, 
1998, at 11:00 a.m. at the Company's principal office. Shareholders representing
2,733,103 or 95.1% of the 2,876,587 shares entitled to vote were present in 
person or by proxy, with 11,445 broker non-votes. The following persons were 
nominated and elected directors, with votes for, withheld from specified 
nominees, or without authority to vote for directors, as indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                                  Without
              Nominee                     For        Withheld    Authority
              -------                     ---        --------    ---------
       <S>                             <C>              <C>          <C> 
       John D. Determan                2,723,403        7,200        2,500
       Theodore L. Arena               2,730,603         -0-         2,500
       Ronald A. Provera               2,729,003        1,600        2,500
       Santo Zito                      2,730,603         -0-         2,500
       Thomas J. Mulroney              2,730,603         -0-         2,500
       Louis A. Arena                  2,730,403          200        2,500
       Joseph W. Wolbers               2,730,603         -0-         2,500
       John M. Boukather               2,722,003        8,600        2,500
</TABLE> 

                                    PART II
                                    -------

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND
        RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

     The Company's common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange under 
the symbol "PZA". The following table sets forth high and low prices as traded 
on the American Stock Exchange:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>   
                               Quarter of Fiscal Year Ended December 31
                           First         Second         Third        Fourth
                           -----         ------         -----        ------
         <S>             <C>             <C>           <C>           <C> 
         1996  High        4              3-1/4         2-3/4         2-3/4
               Low         2-5/16         2-5/16        2-1/4         2-3/8

         1997  High        3-1/8          2-13/16       2-5/8         3
               Low         2-1/2          2-1/4         2-1/8         2-3/8

         1998  High        5-7/16         5-1/16        4             3-1/2
               Low         2-5/8          3-3/4         2-5/16        2-7/16
</TABLE> 
The closing price on December 31, 1998 was $2-15/16.

Common Stock
- ------------

     The Company's Articles of Incorporation as amended authorize the Company to
issue up to 10,000,000 shares of common stock, without par value. The Company is
not authorized to issue any class or series of shares except shares of common 
stock. At December 31, 1998 the Company had issued and outstanding 2,913,098 
shares held by approximately 240 shareholders of record. In addition, the 
Company estimates that there are approximately 800 shareholders holding shares 
in street or nominee names.

     Holders of the Company's common stock are entitled to receive such 
dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally 
available therefor. The Company commenced paying quarterly cash dividends in 
March 1988, and has paid the following annual amounts per share:
         
                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 

<TABLE>
<S>              <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>
                 1998      1997      1996      1995      1994      1993     1992     1991     1990    1989    1988
Dividends       $0.12     $0.12     $0.10     $0.18    $0.1725   $0.1625   $0.16    $0.14    $0.125  $0.11   $0.10
</TABLE>


The declaration and time of future dividends, if any, will depend on the 
Company's financial condition and results of operations and other factors deemed
relevant by the Board.

     All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable and
are not subject to redemption. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote 
for each share held of record and have cumulative voting rights in the election
of directors. Holders of common stock do not have preemptive rights and have no
right to convert their shares into any other security. Upon liquidation of the
Company, the holders of common stock would share ratably in all assets of the
Company after the payment of all liabilities.

      Shareholder communications regarding transfers, changes of address, 
missing dividends, lost certificates or similar matters should be directed to 
the Company's transfer agent and registrar, ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, 
Stock Transfer Department, Washington Bridge Station, P.O. Box 469, New York, NY
10033, (800) 522-6645, www.chasemellon.com.

Common Stock Repurchase and Sales
- ---------------------------------

     The Company has had an announced intention to repurchase shares of its 
common stock since January 11, 1988. Currently, purchases are authorized up to 
the number of shares issued under the Company's 1988 Employee Stock Purchase 
Plan. Purchases are made from time to time on the open market or in privately 
negotiated transactions. In addition, the Company must accept outstanding shares
at fair market value in payment of the exercise price of options under the 
Company's 1987 Incentive Stock Option Plan.

     In 1998, the Company purchased no shares under its stock repurchase 
program, but received 5,842 shares in payment of the exercise price of options 
at an average fair market value of $3.85 per share. Since January 1988 the 
Company has repurchased 220,985 shares at an average cost of $3.14 per share, 
excluding shares used to exercise options.

     Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, in 1998 employees purchased 42,959 
newly issued shares at an average price of $3.49 per share. Employees have 
purchased a total of 437,282 shares under the plan through December 31, 1998, at
an average price of $3.04 per share. Employee contributions plus Company 
matching funds are used monthly to purchase shares at the market price under the
plan and are accumulating at a rate of about $150,000 per year.

     Employees exercised Incentive Stock Options in 1998 to purchase 10,000 
shares at an exercise price of $2.25 per share.

 
                                     -6- 
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     The selected financial data presented below under the headings Statement of
operations data and Balance sheet data for, and as of the end of, each of the
years in the five-year period ended December 31, 1998 is derived from the
financial statements of the Company, which financial statements have been
audited by KPMG LLP, independent certified public accountants. The selected
financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7. Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the
financial statements for, and as of the end of, each of the years in the three-
year period ended December 31, 1998, included in a separate section at the end
of this report beginning on Page F-1. Financial reports are the responsibility
of management, and are based on corporate records maintained by management,
which maintains an internal control system, the sophistication of which is
considered in relation to the benefits received.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Year Ended December 31,
                                                                              ------------------------
                                                                1998        1997        1996        1995        1994
                                                               --------    -------     --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                            <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Statement of operations data:                                     (Amounts in thousands except per share data)
Net Sales                                                     $  24,503     30,966       28,895      23,424      26,265
Cost of sales                                                    21,794     27,103       26,037      21,348      23,812
                                                               --------    -------     --------    --------    --------
Gross profit                                                      2,709      3,863        2,858       2,076       2,453

Distribution, general and administrative expenses                 2,253      2,066        2,002       2,021       2,082
                                                               --------    -------     --------    --------    --------
Operating income                                                    456      1,797          856          55         371

Interest income (expense), net                                       18        (58)         (75)        (66)         (7)
Other income, net                                                 3,326        279          113         184         156
                                                               --------    -------     --------    --------    --------
Earnings before income taxes                                      3,800      2,018          894         173         520

Income taxes                                                      1,558        764          332          84         200
                                                               --------    -------     --------    --------    --------
Net earnings                                                  $   2,242      1,254          562          89         320
                                                               ========    =======     ========    ========    ========

Earnings per share:             Basic                         $     .78        .44          .20         .03         .12
                                                               ========    =======     ========    ========    ========

                                Diluted                       $     .77        .44          .20         .03         .12
                                                               ========    =======     ========    ========    ========

Cash Dividends paid per share                                 $     .12        .12          .10         .18       .1725
Weighted average number
  of shares outstanding (1):    Basic                             2,891      2,836        2,767       2,705       2,669

                                Diluted                           2,924      2,855        2,775       2,750       2,687

Balance sheet data  (end of period):
Working capital                                               $   7,221      4,574        3,564       2,832       3,180
Property and equipment (net)                                      7,602      4,468        4,705       5,083       4,070
Total assets                                                     17,280     11,539       10,414      10,050       9,036
Long-term debt                                                    4,000        752          960         969         ---
Shareholders' equity                                             10,479      8,435        7,357       6,915       7,245
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The Company sold shares under its employee stock purchase plan, sold shares
    under its incentive stock option plan, received shares in exercise of
    incentive stock options and repurchased outstanding shares in the years as
    shown:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                     1998     1997     1996     1995     1994
                                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
                   <S>                              <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C> 
                   Purchase Plan Shares Sold        42,959   55,355   51,990   57,223   54,461
                   Incentive Option Shares Sold     10,000   20,400   16,000   53,555   52,000
                   Received in Exercise of Options   5,842    7,795    8,600   18,500   31,457
                   Outstanding Shares Repurchased     ---      ---      ---    52,289   28,757
</TABLE> 

                                      -7-
  
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS 
        OF OPERATIONS

Result of Operations
- --------------------
     The following table sets forth operating data for the years ended December 
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                             Year Ended December 31,
                                                             ------------------------------------------------------
                                                             1998                     1997                     1996
                                                             ----                     ----                     ----
                                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>         <C> 
Net sales                                              $24,503     100.0%       $30,966     100.0%        $28,895     100.0%
Cost of sales                                           21,794      88.9         27,103      87.5          26,037      90.1
                                                        ------     -----         ------     -----          ------     -----
Gross profit                                             2,709      11.1          3,863      12.5           2,858       9.9

Distribution, general and administrative expenses        2,253       9.2          2,066       6.7           2,002       6.9
                                                        ------     -----         ------     -----          ------     -----
Operating income                                           456       1.9          1,797       5.8             856       3.0

Interest income (expense), net                              18        .1            (58)      (.2)            (75)      (.3)
Other income, net                                        3,326      13.6            279        .9             113        .4
                                                        ------     -----         ------     -----          ------     -----
Earnings before income taxes                             3,800      15.5          2,018       6.5             894       3.1 
 
Income taxes                                             1,558       6.4            764       2.5             332       1.1
                                                        ------     -----         ------     -----          ------     -----
Net earnings                                           $ 2,242       9.2%       $ 1,254       4.0%        $   562       1.9%
                                                        ======     =====         ======     =====          ======     =====
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
Sales on thousands of pounds by division
                  <S>                                 <C>                    <C>                    <C> 
                  Swiss American                      10,473                 13,903                 13,475
                  Royal-Angelus                       18,762                 21,284                 18,213
</TABLE> 

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------

     In 1998, sales of $24,503,000 were down 21% from 1997 sales of $30,966,000,
primarily because of decreased sales at the meat division following the August 
1, 1998 fire which destroyed its main meat plant.

     The meat division's sales were down about 28% in dollars and 25% in pounds 
and its operating income was down 152% in 1998 from 1997. Swiss's sales for the 
4th quarter of 1998 were down 57% in dollars and 54% in pounds from the 4th 
quarter of 1997. Sales in dollars decreased proportionately more than in pounds 
because of lower selling prices reflecting lower meat costs. Swiss was 
experiencing modest growth and increased profits until the August 1, 1998 fire 
destroyed its main meat plant. Swiss has attempted to maintain volume until its 
new plant is operational by purchasing products from other suppliers for its 
customers, but since the fire, Swiss's sales have been almost $1,000,000 per 
month lower and Swiss has operated at a loss, realizing a pre-tax profit only 
after taking into account the benefits of business interruption insurance.

     The pasta division's sales decreased about 4% in dollars and 12% in pounds 
but its operating income increased 40% in 1998 from 1997. The pasta division's 
sales for the 4th quarter of 1998 were down 35% in dollars and 45% in pounds 
from the same quarter of 1997. The sales decreases in pounds did not result in 
proportionate decreases in dollars because of higher average selling prices from
a lower proportion of high volume-lower priced sales. The decreases in sales in 
pounds reflect competition resulting from increasing industry capacity. The
large decrease in the 4th quarter of 1988 partly reflects a surge in sales a
year ago, when sales for the 4th quarter of 1997 were up 44% in dollars and 62%
in pounds over the 4th quarter of 1996.

     Royal's increased operating income resulted from higher production labor 
efficiency, a lower proportion of high-volume sales and lower flour costs. The 
cost of semolina flour was near pre-1993 levels after an increase of about 50% 
in 1993.

     The Company's gross profit for 1998 was $2,709,000 or 11.1% of net sales 
compared to $3,863,000 or 12.5% of net sales for 1997. Gross profit decreased 
absolutely and as a percent of sales because of the higher cost at Swiss of 
purchasing processed products from other suppliers since the fire. Distribution,
general and administrative expenses for 1998 were up about 9% from 1997. 
Distribution expense was up about $67,000 because of increased sales person 
payroll and expense, increased officer payroll and commissions at Royal, and 
increased promotional expense at Swiss, partially offset by lower freight on 
lower sales at Swiss. Administrative expense was up about $119,000 primarily due
to increased officer payroll, health care costs and outside services, partially
offset by lower bad debt expense.

                                      -8-


<PAGE>
 
     Net interest changed from an expense to income because of the absence of 
borrowing under the bank line, a lower balance on the term loan, repayment of 
the term loan and interest income on higher cash balances. Other income 
increased because of recognition of $1,747,000 of business interruption 
insurance proceeds.

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------

     In 1997, sales of $30,966,000 were up 7% from 1966 sales of $28,895,000, as
result of increased sales at both divisions.

     The meat division's sales were up about 9% in dollars and 3% in pounds and 
its operating income was up 152% in 1997 over 1996. Swiss's sales for the 4th 
quarter of 1997 were up 25% in dollars and 23% in pounds over the 4th quarter of
1996. Sales increased proportionately more in dollars than in pounds because of
higher selling prices reflecting higher meat prices. Swiss's operating income 
increased in 1997 because of favorable meat purchases and a higher margin 
product mix throughout the year and increased production labor efficiency and 
plant utilization resulting from the increased sales volume in the 4th quarter.

     The Royal pasta division's sales increased about 3% in dollars and 17% in 
pounds and its operating income increased 56% in 1997 over 1996. The pasta 
division's sales for the 4th quarter of 1997 were up 44% in dollars and 62% in 
pounds over the same quarter of 1996. The sales increases in pounds did not 
result in proportionate increases in dollars because of lower average selling 
prices caused by price competition and a higher proportion of high-volume sales.

     The cost of semolina flour increased about 50% in 1993 and had remained 
well above pre-1993 levels through 1997. Royal had been expecting a tension 
between high flour prices and increased price competition caused by increasing 
industry capacity. Flour prices increased slightly in 1997, but Royal succeeded 
in increasing its sales and operating income. Its operating income increased in 
1997 because of higher production labor efficiency and plant utilization 
throughout the year, increasing in the 4th quarter, and because of lower office 
payroll.

     The Company's gross profit for 1997 was $3,863,000 or 12.5% of net sales 
compared to $2,858,000 or 9.9% of net sales for 1996. Gross profit increased 
absolutely and as a percent of sales because production costs increased less 
than proportionately to sales, especially in the 4th quarter, and because of 
favorable meat purchases and a higher margin product mix at Swiss. Distribution,
general and administrative expenses for 1997 were up about 3% from 1996. 
Distribution expense was up about $94,000 because Swiss' salesmen payroll 
increased and Royal bore the freight on a higher proportion of its sales. 
Administrative expense was down about $29,0000 primarily due to a decrease in 
officer payroll at Royal, as well as lower health care costs and consulting 
services relating to Swiss and other outside services, partially offset by 
higher clerical payroll and bad debt expense.

     Other income increased about $166,000 because of a $164,502 state 
reimbursement of the cost of 1991 removal of a gasoline storage tank at the 
former distribution division warehouse. Net interest expense decreased 
principally because of the lower borrowing under the bank line of credit.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------

     The August 1, 1998 fire at the Company's main meat plant destroyed 
$1,112,435 net book value of inventory and $474,835 net book value of equipment 
and leasehold improvements. The Company recognized $5,204,739 of insurance claim
proceeds at December 31, 1998. The insurance company paid $3,000,000 toward the 
claims by December 31, 1998 and a total of $5,132,462 by February 20, 1999. 
Included in other income is $1,747,156 of the proceeds for business interruption
since the fire. The business interruption claims are ongoing and there has been
no final settlement for any of the claims.

     The Company has generally satisfied its normal working capital requirements
with funds derived from operations and borrowings under a bank line of credit. 
The Company had $2,000,000 unsecured line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, NA 
which was replaced by a $2,000,000 line of credit with Comerica Bank-California 
on September 1, 1998. At December 31, 1998, the Company had had no borrowings 
under either line for over 18 months. The Company also had a term loan with Well
Fargo Bank, NA secured by the 2nd Royal building with a balance of $747,505 
at June 30, 1998, which the Company prepaid on July 31, 1998, using funds on 
hand. The Comerica line of credit is part of a credit facility proposed by 
Comerica for the Company's financial needs, including the need to finance the 
acquisition and construction of a new meat plant. The line is payable on demand,
is subject to annual review, and bears interest at a variable annual rate, at 
the Company's option, of either 1.75% over Comerica's cost of funds or 0.25% 
under its "Base Rate."

     Also as part of the credit facility, Comerica has issued a $4,060,000 
letter of credit which expires October 15, 2003 and secures payment of principal
and interest on $4,000,000 of industrial development bonds which were issued 
October 7, 1998, mature October 1, 2023 and produced $3,909,485 of net proceeds 
for acquisition and construction of the Company's new meat plant. The Company is
obligated to pay principal and interest on the bonds. Comerica is not obligated 
to renew the letter

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
of credit, but the Company is obligated to maintain a like letter of credit
until the bonds mature. The bonds are initially demand obligations remarketed
upon repayment and bear a variable rate of interest payable monthly and set
weekly at a market rate, initially 3.15% per annum and 2.55% at January 31,
1999. The Company pays a 1.5% per annum fee on the amount of the letter of
credit and fees of the bond trustee estimated at 0.5% of the bond principal per
year.

     Beginning May 1, 2000 and continuing until the bonds mature, the Company is
obligated to make monthly principal payments into an interest bearing fund, with
the principal used annually to redeem the bonds and the interest accruing to the
benefit of the Company.  The monthly payments aggregate $76,700 the first year 
and increase about 5.6% each year until May 1, 2022, when $813,500 of remaining 
principal is payable in 18 equal monthly payments.  The Company has the option 
to convert the bonds to bonds with principal payable at the end of a fixed term 
and interest payable semi-annually at a fixed rate set at the minimum rate of 
interest at which the converted bonds are remarketed.

     The proposed credit facility also contemplates an up to $1,200,000 term 
loan for a new pasta line, an additional $4,000,000 term loan for completion of 
the new meat plant and an up to $1,000,000 term loan for equipment at the new 
meat plant.  All parts of the credit facility prohibits mergers, acquisitions, 
disposal of assets, borrowing, granting security interests, and changes of 
management and requires a tangible net worth greater than $7,500,000, a debt to 
tangible net worth ratio less than 2, a quick ratio greater than 0.90, and 
cash flow coverage greater than 1.30.

     On September, 30, 1998, the Company purchased a 5.3 acre parcel of land in
the city of Lathrop, county of San Joaquin, California, for a purchase price of
$484,821 plus fees and commissions, as the site for the new meat plant.
Construction of the 85,000 square foot building to house the new meat plant is
in progress with the completion scheduled for the 1st half of 1999. The
estimated cost of acquisition and construction of the new meat plant is
currently over $8,500,000, including over $3,800,000 for general construction by
A.P. Thomas Construction, Inc., the general contractor, over $3,300,000 for
electrical, refrigeration, and specialty installations by other contractors
under direct contract with the Company and the balance primarily for site cost,
developer fees, commissions, utility fees, and architectural and engineering
fees.

     The move to the new plant will require charging to expense the net
capitalized leasehold improvements and the future rent on the remaining San
Francisco building through lease expiration in 2001, reduced by future rent
under any agreed sublease, or reduced to termination costs if there is an agreed
early termination of the lease. The annual cost to Swiss of the new meat plan
will exceed the annual cost of its old meat plant, and reduced volume because of
the fire will increase the difficulty of building the volume at the new plant to
profitable levels.

     Additions to property and equipment of about $100,000 are anticipated for 
1999, plus the cost of the new meat plant.

     In 1998 cash, including restricted cash, increased about $2,987,000. The
restricted cash is industrial development bond proceeds disbursable for
construction costs. Operating activities produced $3,523,000, primarily from
earnings, depreciation, large decreases in accounts receivable and inventories,
and an increase in deferred taxes, partially offset by an increase in other
receivables. Investing activities used about $3,587,000, primarily for land
purchase, progress payments and other capitalized costs of a new plant at Swiss.
Financing activities produced about $3,051,000 from the proceeds of the
industrial development bonds, reduced by prepayment of the term loan and by the
excess of cash dividends paid over net stock proceeds. Accounts receivable and
inventories decreased because of the fire and subsequent reduced sales at Swiss.
The deferred taxes arose from a gain of insurance proceeds exceeding the net
book value of leasehold improvements and equipment lost in the fire. The gain is
not currently taxable but reduces future tax deductions for depreciation on the
replacement improvements and equipment. The other receivables are unpaid
insurance proceeds relating to the fire.

     In 1997 cash increased about $824,000. Operating activities produced about
$1,508,000 primarily from earnings, depreciation, a decrease in inventories and
an increase in accounts payable, partially offset by an increase in accounts
receivable and a decrease in accrued liabilities. Investing activities used
about $299,000 of cash for property and equipment at both divisions, including
retail packaging and faster sausage linking machines at Swiss. Financing
activites used about $385,000 for dividends and the term loan pre-payment,
offset by net stock proceeds. Inventories were down and accounts receivable up
because the surge of sales in the 4th quarter depleted inventories and generated
accounts receivable.

     In 1996 cash decreased about $85,000. Operating activities produced about
$238,000, principally from earnings and depreciation offset by increases in
accounts receivable and inventories and a decrease in accounts payable.
Investing activities used about $194,000 for net capital expenditures and
financing activities used about $129,000 for dividends offset by net stock
proceeds. The Company's inventories and accounts receivable normally reflect the
level of its sales, and in 1996 sales were up 23%, resulting in about a $165,000
increase in account receivable and about a $631,000 increase in inventories,
following about a $502,000 reduction in inventories in 1995 on reduced sales.

                                     -10- 
<PAGE>
 
     In 1999 quarterly cash dividends will continue to be paid if the Board 
believes that earnings and cash flow are adequate.

     The Company adopted an employee stock purchase plan in 1988 to provide
employees with the incentive of participation in the performance of the Company
and to retain their services. Under the plan, employees other than officers and
directors may authorize weekly payroll deductions which are matched by the
Company and used monthly to purchase shares from the Company at the market
price. The weekly payroll deduction is from $5 to $50 for each participant. The
matching funds are an expense incurred by the Company, but the plan results in
net cash flow to the Company because amounts equal to twice the matching funds
are used to purchase shares from the Company. Cash flow to the Company from the
plan was $149,835 in 1998 and may be as much as $150,000 or more in 1999.

     The Company believes that is operations and bank line of credit will
provide adequate working capital to satisfy the normal ends of its operations
for the foreseeable future, including the financing of a new meat plant,
assuming the proposed credit facility is fully implemented.


New Accounting Standards
- ------------------------

     The Finance Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" in June 1997 and SFAS No. 133, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" in June 1998. SFAS No. 131 is
effective for interim financial statements beginning 1999 and for other
financial statements beginning 1998. SFAS No. 133 is effective for all fiscal
quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. Application of these
Standards, in the opinion of management, will not have a material effect on the
information presented.


Year 2000
- ---------

     Many computer programs use only the last two digits of a year to store or
process dates. This is the Y2K defect and programs with it may treat dates after
1999 as earlier than dates before 2000. The Company uses computers for
accounting, payroll, display and analysis of information, word processing and
other clerical activities, as well as some production process control. The
Company has examined its computer usage and found only that is accounting
programs exhibit the Y2K defect, which could adversely affect routines such as
calculating depreciation or aging accounts receivable. The Company has engaged a
computer programmer to correct the defect, which is expected to be corrected
before the year 2000 for under $20,000. The Company will be able to manually
perform the tasks affected without a material adverse effect on the Company's
operations, if the defect is not corrected. Programs being acquired for
production at the pasta plant and the new meat plant are specified to be free of
the defect. The Company's customers, suppliers and service providers may use
computer programs with the Y2K defect which, to the extend not corrected, could
adversely affect the Company's operations, such as the receipt of supplies,
services, purchase orders and payments of accounts receivable. The Company is
not aware of any customers, suppliers or service providers with Y2K problems
likely to have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on
the Company's operations, but the Company has limited information about other
companies' Y2K problems and no means to audit or direct correction of them.


ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

     The Financial Statements and Supplementary Data are submitted in a separate
section at the end of this report beginning with the Index to Financial
Statements and Schedule on Page F-1.


ITEM 9.  DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     None.

                                   PART III
                                   --------

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

     The name, age, principal position for the past five years and other 
relevant information for each of the current directors and executive officers 
of the Company is as follows:

     John D. Determan, age 66, has been a vice president and director of the 
Company since its formation in 1972, General Counsel from 1986 to 1992, Chief 
Executive Officer from 1992 to February 21, 1998 and Chairman of the Board 
since 1992.  He is a member of the audit and option committees.

                                     -11-
<PAGE>
 
     Theodore L. Arena, age 56 has been the General Manager of Swiss since 1976,
and the President and a director of the Company since 1985. He is the Chief
Executive Officer effective February 21, 1998. He is the nephew of Louis A.
Arena, a director of the Company.

     Ronald A. Provera, age 61, has been the secretary and a director of the 
Company since its formation in 1972 and was the General Manager of Sav-On Food
Co., the Company's distribution business, from its formation in 1960 until its 
liquidation in 1991. He is currently providing sales support to Royal-Angelus.
He is a member of the option committee.

     Santo Zito, age 62, has been the Company's plant engineer since 1976, and
a vice president and director of the Company since its formation in 1972. He
is currently the General Manager of the pasta division. He is a member of the 
option committee.

     Thomas J. Mulroney, age 53, has been the Company's chief accountant since 
1976, the Chief Financial Officer since 1987, a vice president since 1991, and
a director since 1992.

     Louis A. Arena, age 76, has been a director of the Company since 1972, a
vice president from 1972 to 1989, and General Manager of the Royal-Angelus 
Macaroni Co. division form 1975 until his retirement in 1989.

     Joseph W. Wolbers, age 69, has been director of the Company and Chairman of
the audit committee since 1990. He retired in 1989 as vice president of the 
First Interstate Bank where he had been employed since 1950.

     John M. Boukather, age 62, is a management consultant. He was Director of 
Operations of PW Supermarkets from 1993 to 1994, Vice President, Retail Sales, 
of Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. from 1992 to 1993 and president of 
Pantry Food Markets from 1983 to 1987. He has been director of the Company and 
member of the audit committee since 1987.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     The following table sets forth for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 
and 1996, all compensation of all executive officers of the Company serving at 
December 31, 1998.

<TABLE>
                                                        Annual         Restricted          SEP/IRA
              Name and Position           Year          Salary        Option Award      Contributions
              -----------------           ----          ------        ------------      -------------
                                                                          Shares
             <S>                          <C>           <C>           <C>               <C>
            John D. Determan,             1998       $  80,771                           $ 12,116
              Chairman of the Board       1997          65,658                              9,849
                                          1996          62,791                              9,419

            Theodore L. Arena,            1998         133,749                             29,062
              President and               1997         110,790           91,458            16,618
              Chief Executive Officer     1996         107,135                             16,070

            Ronald A. Provera,            1998         129,641                             19,466
              Secretary                   1997         105,414                             15,812
                                          1996         103,568                             15,535

            Santo Zito,                   1998         132,806                             19,921
              Vice President              1997         108,195                             16,229
                                          1996         106,246                             15,937

            Thomas J. Mulroney,           1998         129,793                             19,469
              Chief Financial Officer     1997         105,552           18,291            15,833
                                          1996         102,161                             15,324
</TABLE>

     See Incentive Stock Option Plan below for information on Incentive Stock
         ---------------------------        
Options. See Simplified Employee Pension Plan below for more information on
         ------------------------------------
SEP/IRA Contributions.

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
     The Company does not currently pay bonuses or deferred compensation to any 
executive officer and does not provide them with automobiles, other perquisites,
employment contracts or "golden parachute" arrangements. Effective November 1,
1997, Mr. Determan's basic annual salary was raised from $60,000 to $75,000 and
the basic annual salary of each of the other four officers was raised from
$100,000 to $125,000. The annual salary is as reported on Form W-2 and includes
the cost of life insurance and other costs taxable to the officer.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
- -----------------------------------------------------------

     The Company has no compensation committee. All executive officers are 
members of the Board and participate in the Board's deliberations concerning 
executive compensation.

Simplified Employee Pension Plan
- --------------------------------

     In 1988, the Company adopted a Simplified Employee Pension-Individual 
Retirement Accounts ("SEP-IRA") plan and executed SEP-IRA Agreements with Wells 
Fargo Bank, N.A. and Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., covering all employees at least
18 years old who have worked at least six months and earned at least $300 during
the year, except certain union employees.

     The Company makes contributions under the plan at the discretion of the 
Board, allocated in proportion to compensation, to an Individual Retirement 
Account ("IRA") established by each eligible employee.

     Contributions, up to 15% of eligible compensation. are deductible by the 
Company and not taxable to the employee. An employee may withdraw SEP-IRA funds 
from the employee's IRA> Withdrawals are taxable as ordinary income, and 
withdrawals before age 59-1/2 may be subject to tax penalties.

     For 1998, the Company contributed $424,327 to IRA's under the plan.

Incentive Stock Option Plan
- ---------------------------

     In April 1987, the Company adopted an Incentive Stock Option Plan under 
Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Under the plan, as amended in
1988, for a period of ten years from the date of adoption, an Option Committee 
appointed by the Board of Directors is authorized in its discretion to grant to 
key management employees options to purchase up to an aggregate of 161,704 
shares of common stock of the Company. The options may become exercisable in 
such installments as may be established by the Option Committee. The purchase 
price of shares covered by an option may not be less than the market value of 
the shares on the date of the grant. The term of an option may not exceed 10 
years and an option may not become exercisable in any year with respect to the 
purchase of more than $100,000 worth of shares based on the market value on the 
date of grant.

     In 1992, options were granted to purchase 260,000 shares at a price of 
$2-1/4 per share, 150,000 to Theodore L. Arena, 30,000 to Thomas J. Mulroney, 
and the balance to four other employees. In April 1997, outstanding options of 
Messrs. Arena and Mulroney to purchase 60,000 and 12,000 shares, respectively, 
were terminated and options were granted to Messrs. Arena and Mulroney to 
purchase 91,458 and 18,291 shares, respectively, at a price of $2-9/16 per 
share.

     In 1996, 1997, and 1998, options were exercised to purchase 16,000, 20,400,
and 10,000 shares, respectively, none by executive officers. The following table
shows, for the two executive officers, the number of unexercised options held on
January 1, 1999, the number exercisable and unexercisable and their aggregate 
value based on the year end closing price of $2-15/16.

                       Option Values at January 1, 1999
                       --------------------------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                      Number of Unexercised                 Value of Unexercised In-the-
                                        Options at 11/1/99                    Money Options at 1/199
                  Names              Exercisable/Unexercisable               Exercisable/Unexercisable
                  -----              -------------------------               -------------------------
          <S>                            <C>                                      <C> 
          Theodore L. Arena                78,000/13,458                           $29,250/5,047
          Thomas J. Mulroney               18,291/  -0-                             $6,859/  -0-
</TABLE> 
                                     -13-
<PAGE>
 
Compensation of Directors
- -------------------------

     Directors who are not officers or employees are paid a fee of $1,000 for 
each board meeting or board committee meeting attended.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT


Management Stock Ownership
- --------------------------

     The following table sets forth, for each officer, director and 5% 
shareholder of the Company and for all officers and directors as a group (8 
persons), the number and percent of outstanding shares of common stock of the 
Company owned on December 31, 1998.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                Shares Beneficially Owned
                                ----------------------------------------------------------
                                    Without Options(4)               Options Exercised(5)
                                ------------------------          ------------------------
Name or Category(1)              Number          Percent           Number         Percent
- ------------------              --------         -------          -------         --------
<S>                             <C>              <C>              <C>             <C> 
John D. Determan                335,327           11.5%           335,327           11.1%
Penny S. Bolton                 378,463           13.0%           378,463           12.5%
Theodore L. Arena               140,994            4.8%           232,452            7.7%
Ronald A. Provera               322,330           11.1%           322,330           10.7%
Santo Zito                      352,330           12.1%           352,330           11.7%
Thomas J. Mulroney (3)           13,900             .5%            32,191            1.1%
Louis A. Arena                  288,030            9.9%           288,030            9.5%
John M. Boukather                 1,778             .1%             1,778             .1%
Joseph W. Wolbers                12,250             .4%            12,250             .4%
Officers and Directors        1,466,939           50.4%         1,576,688           52.2%
Shares Outstanding            2.913,098            100%         3,022,847            100%
</TABLE> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The address for each person is c/o Porvena Foods Inc., 5010 Eucalyptus 
    Avenue, Chino, Ca. 91710.
(2) Penny S. Bolton is the widow of James H. Bolton, former chairman of the 
    Company.  Her shares are not included in the group's shares.
(3) Includes 2,000 shares owned by Marsha Mulroney, wife of Thomas J. Mulroney.
(4) Excludes options under the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan to Theodore
    L. Arena to purchase 91,458 shares to Thomas J. Mulroney to purchase 18,291
    shares and to all officers and directors as a group to purchase 109,749
    shares.
(5) The options of Messrs. Arena, Mulroney and the group are deemed exercised.

       No other person is known to the Company to own beneficially more than 5% 
of the outstanding shares of the Company.


Management Stock Transactions
- -----------------------------

     During the specified quarter of 1998, officers and directors purchased the 
following numbers of shares of the Company's common stock: 1st quarter, John M. 
Boukather - 17 shares; 2nd quarter, Mr. Boukather - 12; 3rd quarter, Mr. 
Boukather - 13, Joseph W. Wolbers - 4,500; 4th quarter, Mr. Boukather - 17, 
Marsha Mulroney, wife of Thomas J. Mulroney - 2,000.  During the 1st quarter of 
1998, Thomas J. Mulroney sold 9,000 shares.  No other purchases or sales of the 
Company's common stock by officers or directors were reported ruing the year.

     Based on copies of filed forms and written representations, the Company 
believes that all officers, directors and 10% shareholders have timely filed all
Forms 3, 4 and 5 required for 1998 and (except as previously disclosed) prior 
years by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     There are no transactions with related parties required to be disclosed 
under the above caption in this report.

                                     -14-
<PAGE>
 

                                    PART IV
                                    ------- 

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

Financial Statements and Schedules
- ----------------------------------

     The Financial Statements and Schedule filed with this report are in a 
separate section at the end of this report beginning with the Index to Financial
Statements and Schedule on page F-1.

Exhibits
- --------

3.7   Bylaws of the Company, as in effect on January 16, 1989 (1), (3)
3.8   Amended and restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company as filed
      with the California Secretary of State on June 17, 1987 (2)
3.9   Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Company re Liability of 
      Directors and Indemnification as filed with the California of State on
      January 17, 1989 (6)
3.10  Amendment to Bylaws of the Company re Liability of Directors and 
      Indemnification effective January 17, 1989 (6) 
3.11  Amendment to Bylaws of the Company re Annual Meeting in April (7)
3.12  Amendment to Bylaws of the Company re relocating Principal Office to 
      Chino, California (8)
3.13  Amendment to Bylaws of the Company re President as Chief Executive Officer
4.3   Form of Certificate evidencing common stock (8)
10.2  1987 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended to date (1)
10.20 1988 Stock Purchase Plan of the Company (4)
10.22 Dean Witter Simplified Employee Pension Plan Employer Agreement dated 
      August 8, 1988 (5)
10.23 Wells fargo Bank Simplified Employee Pension Plan Adoption Agreement dated
      July 18, 1988 (5)
10.26 Lease Agreement dated May 28, 1990 between the Company and Alexander M.
      and June L. Maisin, as Lessor, of the second Swiss San Francisco Plant (7)
10.36 Standard Industrial/Commercial Single-Tenant Lease-Gross dated December
      18, 1995 between the Company, as Lessor, and R-Cold, Inc. and Therma-Lok,
      Inc., as Lessee of a portion of 5060 Eucalyptus Avenue, Chino, CA (9)
10.37 First Amendment to lease dated December 18, 1995 between Company and 
      Therma-Lok, Inc.
10.38 Construction/Development Agreement Between Owner, Contractor and Developer
      dated June 19, 1998 among Swiss as owner, A.P. Thomas Construction Inc. as
      contractor and Catlin Properties, Inc., as developer
10.39 Master Revolving Note and Security Agreement, both dated July 14, 1998
      between the Company and Comerica Bank-California, relating to the 
      Company's $2,000,000 line of credit
10.40 Collective Bargaining Agreement dated April 1, 1998 between Swiss and 
      United Food and COmmercial Workers Union Local 101, AFL-CIO
10.41 Loan Agreement dated October 1, 1998 between the California Economic 
      Development Financing Authority and the Company
10.42 Remarketing Agreement dated October 1, 1998 between the Company and Dain
      Rauscher Incorporated 
10.43 Purchase Contract among the California Economic Development Financing 
      Authority, the Treasurer of State of California and Dain Rauscher 
      Incorporated 
10.44 Tax Regulatory Agreement dated October 1, 1998 among the California 
      Economic Development Financing Authority, U.S. Bank Trust National 
      Association, as trustee, and the Company
10.45 Building Loan Agreement dated October 1, 1998 between the Company and
      Comerica Bank-California
10.46 Reimbursement Agreement dated October 1, 1998 between the Company and
      Comerica Bank California
23.1  Consent of KPMG LLP
27.   EDGAR Financial Data Schedule

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
(1)   Exhibit to Form S-1 Registration Statement filed May 11, 1987
(2)   Exhibit to Amendment No. 2 to Form S-1 Registration Statement filed June
      17, 1987
(3)   Exhibit to Amendment No. 3 to Form S-1 Registration Statement filed July
      29, 1987
(4)   Exhibit to 1987 Form 10-K Annual Report
(5)   Exhibit to 1988 Form 10-K Annual Report
(6)   Exhibit to 1989 Form 10-K Annual Report
(7)   Exhibit to 1990 Form 10-K Annual Report
(8)   Exhibit to 1991 Form 10-K Annual Report 
(9)   Exhibit to 1995 Form 10-K Annual Report 

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
Reports on Form 8-K

      During the year  ended December 31, 1998 the Company filed reports on Form
8-K dated August 1, 1998 regarding the meat plant fire and October 7, 1998 
regarding the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for a new meat plant.

                                  SIGNATURES

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

Date:  February 20, 1999                             PROVENA FOODS INC.

                                                     By /s/ John D. Determan
                                                       -------------------------
                                                           John D. Determan
                                                         Chairman of the Board

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of
the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


     Signature                        Title                          Date
     ---------                        -----                          ----


/s/ John D. Determan     Chairman of the Board and Director   February 20, 1999
- ----------------------
    John D. Determan

/s/ Theodore L. Arena    President (Principal Executive       February 20, 1999
- ----------------------   Officer) and Director
    Theodore L. Arena

/s/ Ronald A. Provena    Vice President, Sales, Security and  February 20, 1999
- ----------------------   Director

/s/ Santo Zito           Vice President and Director          February 20, 1999
- ----------------------
    Santo Zito

/s/ Thomas J. Mulroney    Chief Financial Officer (Principal  February 20, 1999
- ----------------------    Financial and Accounting Officer)
    Thomas J. Mulroney

/s/ Louis A. Arena        Director                            February 20, 1999
- ----------------------
    Louis A. Arena

/s/ Joseph W. Wolbers      Director                           February 20, 1999 
- ----------------------
    Joseph W. Wolbers

/s/ John M. Boukather      Director                           February 20, 1999
- ----------------------
    John M. Boukather

                                     -16-
 
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS, INC.

                       Financial Statements and Schedule

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997

                  (With Independent Auditors' Report Thereon)
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                  Index to Financial Statements and Schedule

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      Page
<S>                                                                                   <C>
Independent Auditors' Report                                                           F-2

Balance Sheets December 31, 1998 and 1997                                               F-3

Statements of Earnings - Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996                   F-4

Statements of Shareholders' Equity - Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996       F-5

Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996                 F-6

Notes to Financial Statements                                                           F-7

Schedule

II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves                                    F-19
</TABLE>


                                          F-1
<PAGE>
 
                         Independent Auditors' Report

The Board of Directors
Provena Foods Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Provena Foods Inc. as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the related statements of earnings, shareholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended
December 31, 1998, as listed in the accompanying index.  In connection with our
audits of the financial statements, we also have audited the accompanying
financial statement schedule, as listed in the accompanying index.  These
financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of
the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards.  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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Provena Foods Inc. at December
31, 1998 and 1997 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1998 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion, the related
financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein.


                                   KPMG LLP



Orange County, California
February 1, 1999

                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                                Balance Sheets

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

              Assets                                                       1998              1997
                                                                      --------------     --------------
<S>                                                                <C>                   <C> 
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                        $       116,306          1,089,957
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
    $0 and $10,934 at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
    respectively (notes 4, 5 and 12)                                     1,638,022          3,112,520
  Insurance recovery receivable (note 15)                                2,204,738                 --
  Inventories (notes 2, 4 and 5)                                         1,458,369          2,679,118
  Prepaid expenses                                                          59,118             45,460
                                                                      --------------     --------------
            Total current assets                                         5,476,553          6,927,055

Restricted cash (note 5)                                                 3,960,224                 --
Deferred tax asset (note 8)                                                 73,504            101,279
Property and equipment, net (notes 3, 4 and 5)                           7,602,040          4,467,521
Other assets                                                               167,342             43,203
                                                                      --------------     --------------

                                                                   $    17,279,663         11,539,058
                                                                      ==============     ==============
                Liabilities and Shareholders Equity

Current liabilities:
  Current portion of long-term debt (note 5)                       $           --              8,460
  Accounts payable                                                      1,118,294          1,123,820
  Accrued liabilities (note 6)                                            989,443          1,122,068
  Income tax payable (note 8)                                             107,960             98,545
                                                                     --------------     --------------
            Total current liabilities                                   2,215,697          2,352,893
                                                                     --------------     --------------

Deferred income                                                                --              7,752
Long-term debt, net of current portion (note 5)                         4,000,000            743,275
Deferred tax liability (note 8)                                           584,519                 --

Shareholders equity (notes 7, 9 and 10):
  Common stock, no par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares;
    2,913,098 and 2,865,981 shares issued and outstanding at
    December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively                            4,572,482          4,422,647
  Retained earnings                                                     5,906,965          4,012,491
                                                                     --------------     --------------
            Total shareholders equity                                  10,479,447          8,435,138
Commitments and contingencies (notes 4, 5, 9, 13 and 14)
                                                                     --------------     --------------
                                                                   $   17,279,663         11,539,058
                                                                     ==============     ==============

</TABLE> 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 

                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                            Statements of Earnings

                 Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                       1998                        1997                        1996
                                                 -----------------           -----------------           -----------------
<S>                                              <C>                         <C>                         <C>        
Net sales (note 11)                              $  24,502,571                   30,966,339                   28,895,372
Cost of sales                                       21,794,109                   27,103,198                   26,037,541    
                                                 -------------                   ----------                   ----------
     Gross profit                                    2,708,462                    3,863,141                    2,857,831
                                                 -------------                   ----------                   ----------

Operating expenses:
 Distribution                                        1,055,130                      987,948                      893,834    
 General and administrative (notes 3 and 15)         1,197,643                    1,078,225                    1,107,581
                                                 -------------                   ----------                   ----------
                                                     2,252,773                    2,066,173                    2,001,415
                                                 -------------                   ----------                   ---------- 
     Operating income                                  455,689                    1,796,968                      856,416

Interest income (expense), net                          18,442                      (57,830)                     (75,437)
Other income, net (notes 3 and 15)                   3,325,831                      279,257                      113,339
                                                 -------------                   ----------                   ----------

     Earnings before income taxes                    3,799,962                    2,018,395                      894,318    

Income taxes (note 8)                                1,558,183                      763,776                      332,416
                                                 -------------                   ----------                   ----------

     Net earnings                                $   2,241,779                    1,254,619                      561,902    
                                                 =============                   ==========                   ==========

Earnings per common share (note 11):
 Basic                                           $        0.78                         0.44                         0.20
                                                 ================                ==========                   ==========

 Diluted                                         $        0.77                         0.44                         0.20    
                                                 ================                ==========                   ==========

Shares used in computing per common share
 amounts (note 11):
  Basic                                              2,890,516                    2,836,434                    2,767,156    
                                                 =============                   ==========                   ==========

  Diluted                                            2,923,868                    2,854,939                    2,775,133
                                                 =============                   ==========                   ==========

</TABLE> 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 

                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                      Statements of Shareholders Equity

                 Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                                                    
                                                                                    Note
                                            Common stock                         receivable         Total
                                 -------------------------------    Retained        from        shareholders'
                                  Shares issued      Amount         earnings      shareholder       equity
                                 ---------------   ----------      ----------    -------------  -------------
<S>                              <C>               <C>             <C>           <C>            <C> 
Balance at December 31, 1995         2,738,631     $ 4,104,173      2,814,169         (3,268)     6,915,074

Repurchase of common stock              (8,600)        (21,500)            --             --        (21,500)
Sale of common stock                    51,990         139,087             --             --        139,087
Exercise of shares under
  stock option plan (note 10)           16,000          36,000             --             --         36,000
Cash dividends paid, $.10 per
  share                                     --              --       (277,216)            --       (277,216)
Payment on shareholder note
  receivable                                --              --             --          3,268          3,268
Net earnings                                --              --        561,902             --        561,902
                                --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- -----------------
Balance at December 31, 1996         2,798,021       4,257,760      3,098,855             --      7,356,615

Repurchase of common stock              (7,795)        (22,498)            --             --        (22,498)
Sale of common stock                    55,355         141,485             --             --        141,485
Exercise of shares under
  stock option plan (note 10)           20,400          45,900             --             --         45,900
Cash dividends paid, $.12 per
  share                                     --              --       (340,983)            --       (340,983)
Net earnings                                --              --      1,254,619             --      1,254,619
                               --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- -----------------
Balance at December 31, 1997         2,865,981       4,422,647      4,012,491            --       8,435,138

Repurchase of common stock              (5,842)        (22,500)            --            --         (22,500)
Sale of common stock                    42,959         149,835             --            --         149,835
Exercise of shares under
  stock option plan (note 10)           10,000          22,500             --            --          22,500
Cash dividends paid, $.12 per
  share                                     --              --       (347,305)           --        (347,305)
Net earnings                                --              --       2,241,779           --       2,241,779
                                --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- -----------------
Balance at December 31, 1998         2,913,098     $ 4,572,482       5,906,965           --      10,479,447
                                ==============  ==============  ==============  ============  ================

</TABLE> 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 

                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                           Statements of Cash Flows

                 Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>

                                                                1998             1997            1996
                                                          ---------------   --------------  --------------
<S>                                                       <C>               <C>             <C>             
Cash flows from operating activities:
 Net earnings                                              $ 2,241,779        1,254,619         561,902
 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net
  cash provided by operating activities:
   Depreciation and amortization                               452,848          535,119         572,459
   Loss on disposal of fixed assets                                 --              803              --
   Provision for bad debts                                          --           36,241         (43,637)
   Deferred income taxes                                       612,294          (94,430)         (6,849)
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
   Accounts receivable                                       1,474,498         (740,464)       (164,989)
   Insurance recovery receivable                            (2,204,738)              --              --      
   Inventories                                               1,220,749          249,560        (631,356)
   Prepaid expenses                                            (13,658)           4,850          16,743
   Income taxes receivable                                                           --           2,342
   Other assets                                               (124,139)           6,378            (197)
   Accounts payable                                             (5,526)         453,226        (123,161)
   Accrued liabilities                                        (132,625)        (262,857)        101,899
   Income tax payable                                            9,415           74,085          24,460
   Deferred income                                              (7,752)          (9,305)        (71,947)
                                                           -----------        ---------        --------

     Net cash provided by operating
      activities                                             3,523,145        1,507,825         237,669
                                                           -----------        ---------        --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
 Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                       --            3,655           1,200
 Additions to property and equipment                        (3,587,367)        (302,496)       (195,362)
                                                           -----------        ---------        --------

     Net cash used in investing activities                  (3,587,367)        (298,841)       (194,162)
                                                           -----------        ---------        --------

Cash flows from financing activities:
 Payments on note payable to bank                             (751,735)        (208,460)         (8,460)
 Issuance of long-term debt                                  4,000,000               --              --
 Increase in restricted cash                                (3,960,224)              --              --    
 Repurchase of common stock                                    (22,500)         (22,498)        (21,500)
 Proceeds from sale of common stock                            149,835          141,485         139,087
 Exercise of stock options                                      22,500           45,900          36,000
 Payments received on note from shareholder                         --               --           3,268
 Cash dividends paid                                          (347,305)        (340,983)       (277,216)
                                                           -----------        ---------        --------

     Net cash used in financing activities                    (909,429)        (384,556)       (128,821)
                                                           -----------        ---------        --------

     Net increase (decrease) in cash and
      cash equivalents                                        (973,651)         824,428         (85,314)
                                                                      
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period             1,089,957          265,529         350,843
                                                           -----------        ---------        --------
                                                                      
Cash and cash equivalents at end of pe$                    $   116,306        1,089,957         265,529
                                                           ===========        =========        ========

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 Cash paid during the period for:
  Interest                                                 $   78,484            73,511          81,081
  Income taxes                                                939,589           787,855         287,600
                                                           ==========         =========        ========
</TABLE> 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      F-6

<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997


(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

    (a)  Description of Business

         Provena Foods Inc. (the Company) is a California-based specialty food
         processor. The Company grants credit to its customers in the normal
         course of business. The Company's meat processing business is conducted
         through its Swiss American Sausage Division (the Swiss American
         Division), and the Company's pasta business is conducted through its
         Royal-Angelus Macaroni Division (the Royal-Angelus Division).

    (b)  Inventories

         Inventories consist principally of food products and are stated at the
         lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.

    (c)  Property and Equipment

         Property and equipment are stated at cost. Assets acquired prior to
         1981 and subsequent to 1986 are depreciated on the straight-line
         method. For assets acquired during the period from 1981 through 1986,
         accelerated methods of depreciation are used. Estimated useful lives
         are as follows:


                    Buildings and improvements       31.5 to 39 years          
                    Machinery and equipment              10 years              
                    Delivery equipment                   5 years               
                    Office equipment                     7 years               


    (d)  Cash and Cash Equivalents

         For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers
         investments with maturities of three months or less at date of purchase
         to be cash equivalents.

    (e)  Earnings per Share

         Effective December 31, 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
         Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share" (SFAS No. 128). This
         statement replaces the previously reported primary and fully diluted
         earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Unlike
         primary earnings per share, basic earnings per share excludes any
         dilutive effects of options. Diluted earnings per share is very similar
         to the previously reported fully diluted earnings per share. All
         earnings per share amounts have been restated to conform to the SFAS
         No. 128 requirements (see note 11).

    (f)  Income Taxes

         Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.
         Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
         consequences attributable to differences between the financial
         statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
         respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
         using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable

                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997


         income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected
         to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and
         liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the
         period that includes the enactment date.

    (g)  Use of Estimates

         The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with
         generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
         estimates and assumptions that affect 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 results could differ
         from those estimates.

    (h)  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

         The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
         accounts payable and accrued liabilities are measured at cost which
         approximates their fair value because of the short maturity of these
         instruments. The carrying amount of the Company's long-term debt
         approximates its fair value because the interest rate on the instrument
         fluctuates with market interest rates.

    (i)  Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of

         Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for
         impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
         the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability
         of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the
         carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be
         generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired,
         the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the
         carrying amount of the assets exceed the fair value of the assets.
         Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying
         amount or fair value less costs to sell.

    (j)  Stock Option Plan

         Prior to January 1, 1996, the Company accounted for its stock option
         plan in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board
         (APB) Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and
         related interpretations. As such, compensation expense would be
         recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the
         underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. On January 1, 1996, the
         Company adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
         Compensation," which permits entities to recognize as expense over the
         vesting period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of
         grant. Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 also allows entities to continue to
         apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide pro forma net
         earnings and pro forma earnings per share disclosures for employee
         stock option grants made in 1995 and future years as if the fair-value-
         based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied. The Company has
         elected to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and
         provide the pro forma disclosures of SFAS No. 123.

                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997


    (k)  Segment Information

         In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
         Statement No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and
         Related Information," which the Company adopted in 1998. The Company
         has two reportable segments; the meat processing division (Swiss
         American) and the pasta division (Royal-Angelus) (see note 12).

    (l)  Reclassifications

         Certain amounts in the prior year's financial statements have been
         reclassified to conform with the current presentation.

    (m)  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

         In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
         130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 130 establishes
         standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its
         components (revenues, expenses, gain and losses) in a full set of
         general purpose financial statements. SFAS No. 130 is effective for
         financial statements issued for periods beginning after December 15,
         1997. The Company does not have any components of comprehensive income,
         and accordingly, the Company's comprehensive income is the same as its
         net income.

(2) Inventories

    A summary of inventories follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1998                      1997
                                                            -----------               -----------    
          <S>                                               <C>                             <C>
          Raw materials                                     $   335,725               $ 1,220,151
          Work in process                                       115,034                   674,400
          Finished goods                                      1,007,610                   784,567
                                                            -----------               -----------
 
                                                            $ 1,458,369                 2,679,118
                                                            ===========               ===========
</TABLE>

(3) Property and Equipment

    Property and equipment, at cost, consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1998                        1997
                                                            -----------                -----------
         <S>                                                <C>                              <C>
         Land                                               $ 1,091,706                    551,985
         Buildings and improvements                           2,728,087                  3,283,200
         Machinery and equipment                              4,151,622                  5,550,646
         Delivery equipment                                      28,599                     28,599
         Office equipment                                       118,338                    114,912
         Construction in progress                             3,225,797                     40,861
                                                            -----------                -----------
                                                             11,344,149                  9,570,203
Less accumulated depreciation                                (3,742,109)                (5,102,682)
                                                            -----------                -----------
 
                                                            $ 7,602,040                  4,467,521
                                                            ===========                ===========
</TABLE>

                                     F-9
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997 


    The Company leases certain real property to outside parties under
    noncancelable operating leases. Rental income, included in other income,
    totaled approximately $99,000, $106,000 and $104,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
    respectively.

    The Company has under construction a new meat processing plant scheduled for
    completion in fiscal 1999.

(4) Line of Credit

    The Company has a $2,000,000 secured bank line of credit, due on demand with
    no stated expiration date, at an interest rate of bank prime minus .25%
    (7.50% at December 31, 1998). The line of credit is secured by accounts
    receivable, inventory and equipment. No borrowings were made under this line
    of credit during 1998. The bank line of credit agreement is subject to
    certain covenants for which the Company was in compliance with at December
    31, 1998.

(5) Long-Term Debt

    Long-term debt at December 31, 1998 and 1997 consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1998                       1997
                                                                 -----------                 ---------
<S>                                                              <C>                          <C>
Mortgage note payable, secured by land and
  building, bearing interest LIBOR plus 2%,     
  payable in installments though the year 2000. 
  The note was paid in full in 1998                              $        --                   751,735
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds at variable
  interest rate (3.85% at December 31, 1998),      
  secured by an irrevocable letter of credit, and  
  requiring monthly principal and interest         
  payments ranging from $6,400 to $45,200 from the 
  year 2000 through the year 2023                                  4,000,000                        --
                                                                 -----------               -----------  
                                                                   4,000,000                   751,735
 Less current portion                                                     --                    (8,460)
                                                                 -----------               -----------  
                                                                 $ 4,000,000                   743,275
                                                                 ===========               ===========
</TABLE>

 The $4,060,000 irrevocable letter of credit securing the Industrial Development
 Revenue Bonds, is collateralized by accounts receivable, inventories, equipment
 and certain real property. The commitment fee is 1.5% per annum, due at the
 beginning of each year.

 The proceeds from the Industrial Development Revenue Bonds issued in fiscal
 1998 are held in trust and released as qualified capital expenditures are made.
 At December 31, 1998, $3,960,224 was held in trust and is classified as
 "restricted cash" in the Company's balance sheet.

 The installments of long-term debt maturing in each of the next five years are:
 1999 - $0.2000 - $51,133, 2001 - $79,566, 2002 - $84,000, 2003 - $88,767.

                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997


(6) Accrued Liabilities

    A summary of accrued liabilities at December 31 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1998                     1997
                                                         ---------               -----------
    <S>                                                  <C>                     <C>
    Accrued profit sharing (note 9)                      $ 424,327                   391,762
    Accrued retirement                                     147,444                   161,179
    Accrued compensation                                   137,224                   253,148
    Other                                                  280,448                   315,979
                                                         ---------               -----------
                                                         $ 989,443               $ 1,122,068
                                                         =========               ===========
</TABLE>


(7) Shareholders' Equity

    In 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company repurchased shares in negotiated
    transactions and retired the shares purchased.  The Company sold shares to
    employees under its purchase plan (note 9) in 1998, 1997 and 1996.

(8) Income Taxes

    Income taxes (benefit) consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1998                      1997                       1996
                                           -----------               -----------                -----------
<S>                                        <C>                       <C>                        <C> 
Current:
 Federal                                   $   611,799                   680,035                    233,135
 State                                         334,090                   178,171                     76,945
Deferred:
 Federal                                       577,374                   (56,366)                    18,366
 State                                          34,920                   (38,064)                     3,970
                                           -----------               -----------                -----------
 
                                           $ 1,558,183                   763,776                    332,416
                                           ===========               ===========                ===========
</TABLE>

                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997



    The sources and tax effects of temporary differences between the financial
    statement carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities are as
    follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                              December 31,             December 31,
                                                                 1998                     1997
                                                              ------------             ------------
<S>                                                           <C>                      <C>
    Deferred tax assets:        
     Deferred income                                             $      --                   3,111
     Depreciation                                                    3,146                  37,590
     State taxes                                                    70,358                  60,578
                                                                 ---------               ---------
 
                      Total deferred tax asset                   $  73,504                 101,279
                                                                 =========               =========
 
    Deferred tax liability - gain on destroyed     
     equipment                                                   $ 584,519                      --
                                                                 =========               =========
</TABLE>

    Based on the Company's historical pretax earnings, adjusted for significant
    items such as nonrecurring charges, management believes it is more likely
    than not that the Company will realize the benefit of deferred tax assets
    existing at December 31, 1998. Management believes the existing deductible
    temporary differences will reverse during periods in which the Company
    generates net taxable income. Nevertheless, certain tax planning or other
    strategies will be implemented, if necessary, to supplement income from
    operations to fully realize recorded tax benefits.

    Actual income taxes differ from the "expected" tax amount, computed by
    applying the US Federal corporate tax rate of 34% to earnings from
    operations before income taxes, as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1998                      1997                      1996
                                         ----------------------     ---------------------     ---------------------
                                            Amount         %           Amount         %          Amount         %
                                         ------------   -------     ------------   ------     ------------   ------
<S>                                      <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>
Computed "expected" income taxes          $ 1,291,987      34.0%     $ 686,254      34.0%      $ 304,068      34.0%
                                        
State income taxes, net of Federal            221,705       5.8        117,593       5.8          50,784       5.7
 income tax benefit
 
Change in valuation allowance                       0         0        (28,545)     (1.4)         19,068       2.1
                                                    
Other                                          44,491       1.2%       (11,526)      (.6)        (41,504)     (4.6)
                                          -----------  ---------     ---------  ---------      ---------  ---------
                                          $ 1,558,183      41.0%     $ 763,776      37.8%      $ 332,416      37.2%
                                          ===========  =========     =========  =========      =========  =========
</TABLE>

(9) Employee Benefit Plans

    In 1988, the Company adopted a Simplified Employee Pension Individual
    Retirement Account (SEP IRA) plan covering all full-time, nonunion
    employees. The Company makes contributions under the plan at the discretion
    of the Board of Directors. The Company's contributions to the SEP IRA for
    1998, 1997 and 1996 were $424,327, $391,762 and $393,880, respectively.

                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997


     In 1988, the Company adopted a stock purchase plan, enabling substantially
     all nonunion employees except officers and directors to purchase shares of
     the Company's capital stock through periodic payroll deductions. Employees
     may contribute up to $50 per week and all contributions are 100% matched by
     the Company; the combined funds are used in the subsequent month to
     purchase whole shares of capital stock at current market prices. Stock
     purchases under this Plan result in net cash flow to the Company as the
     contributions and employer matching contributions are used to purchase
     stock from the Company.

     The Company provides partial coverage for medical costs to its employees
     under a self-insured plan. Additionally, the Company carries a catastrophic
     policy that covers claims in excess of $40,000 for any covered individual.
     The Company has accrued the estimated liability for its self-funded costs
     (see note 13).

(10) Incentive Stock Option Plan

     Under a stock option plan adopted in 1987, the Company has awarded options
     to certain of its key employees to purchase common stock at prices which
     approximate the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant. The
     plan provides for a maximum grant of 261,704 shares. All stock options have
     a maximum ten-year term and become fully exercisable in accordance with a
     predetermined vesting schedule that varies by employee.

     There were no options granted in 1998. The per share weighted-average fair
     value of stock options granted during 1997 was $0.95 on the date of grant
     using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-
     average assumptions: expected dividend yield 1%, risk-free interest rate of
     6.7%, and an expected life of 8 years. There were no options granted in
     1996.

     The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its Plan and,
     accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options
     in the financial statements. Had the Company determined compensation cost
     based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS
     No. 123, the Company's net earnings would have been reduced to the pro
     forma amounts indicated below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1998                      1997                      1996
                                                               -----------                 ---------                ----------
<S>                                         <C>                <C>                         <C>                      <C>
     Net earnings                        As reported           $ 2,241,779                 1,254,619                   561,902
                                                               ===========                ==========                ==========  
                                         Pro forma             $ 2,217,369                 1,218,761                   561,902
                                                               ===========                ==========                ==========   
 
     Net earnings per share              As reported:
                                            Basic              $      .78                       .44                       .20
                                                               ===========                ==========                ==========
                                            Diluted            $      .77                       .44                       .20
                                                               ===========                ==========                ==========  
                                         Pro forma:
                                            Basic              $      .77                       .43                       .20
                                                               ===========                ==========                ==========  
                                            Diluted            $      .76                       .43                       .20
                                                               ===========                ==========                ==========
</TABLE>

     Pro forma net earnings reflects only options granted since December 31,
     1995. Therefore, the full impact of calculating compensation cost for stock
     options under SFAS No. 123 is not reflected in the pro forma net earnings
     amounts presented above because compensation cost is reflected over the
     options' vesting period and compensation cost for options granted prior to
     January 1, 1996 is not considered.

                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997


     Stock option activity during the periods indicated is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       Weighted-
                                                            Number of                   average
                                                              shares                exercise price
                                                            ---------              ----------------
         <S>                                              <C>                     <C>   
         Balance at December 31, 1995                         154,445                 $     2.25
                                             
          Exercised                                           (16,000)                      2.25
          Expired                                             (36,000)                      2.25
                                                            -----------               -----------  
         Balance at December 31, 1996                         102,445                       2.25
                                             
          Granted                                             109,749                       2.56
          Exercised                                           (20,400)                      2.25
          Terminated                                          (72,045)                      2.25
                                                            -----------               -----------  
                                             
         Balance at December 31, 1997                         119,749                       2.54
                                             
          Exercised                                           (10,000)                      2.25
                                                            -----------               -----------  
                                             
         Balance at December 31, 1998                         109,749                 $     2.56
                                                            ===========               ===========
</TABLE>

     At December 31, 1998, exercise price and the remaining contractual life of
     outstanding options was $2.56 and eight years, respectively.

     At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the number of options exercisable was 96,291
     and 67,291, respectively, and the weighted-average exercise price of those
     options was $2.56 and $2.54, respectively.

                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997


(11) Earnings Per Share

     As discussed in note 1, the Company adopted SFAS No. 128 effective December
     31, 1997.  The following table illustrates the computation of basic and
     diluted earnings per share under the provisions of SFAS No. 128:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1998                       1997                      1996
                                                               -----------                 ----------               -----------
      <S>                                                     <C>                          <C>                      <C>
      Numerator:                                   
       Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per
        share - net earnings                                  $   2,241,779                 1,254,619                   561,902
                                                              =============                ==========               ===========    
                                                            
      Denominator:                                 
       Denominator for basic earnings per share -  
        weighted average number of common shares   
        outstanding during the period                             2,890,516                 2,836,434                 2,767,156
       Incremental common shares attributable to   
        exercise of outstanding options                              33,352                    18,505                     7,977
                                                              -------------              ------------               -----------
      Denominator for diluted earnings per share                  2,923,868                 2,854,939                 2,775,133
                                                              =============              ============               ===========     
      Basic earnings per share                                $        0.78                      0.44                      0.20
                                                              =============              ============               ===========     
      Diluted earnings per share                              $        0.77                      0.44                      0.20
                                                              =============              ============               ===========     
</TABLE>

     Substantially all options were included in the computation of diluted
     earnings per share for 1998, 1997 and 1996.

(12) Segment Data and Major Customers

     The Company's reportable business segments are strategic business units
     that offer distinctive products that are marketed through different
     channels. The Company has two reportable segments; the meat processing
     division (Swiss American) and the pasta division (Royal-Angelus). The Swiss
     American division produces meat products that are sold primarily to pizza
     restaurant chains, pizza processors and food service distributors. The
     Royal-Angelus division produces pasta that is sold primarily to food
     processors, private label customers, food service distributors and
     specialty food distributors.

                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997


   The following table represents financial information about the Company's
   business segments as of and for the three years ended December 31, 1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1998                       1997                       1996
                                                              -------------               ------------                ----------- 
       <S>                                                    <C>                         <C>                         <C>
       Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
        Swiss American Division                               $  15,358,867                 21,460,415                 19,677,706
        Royal-Angelus Division                                    9,143,704                  9,505,924                  9,217,666
                                                              -------------               ------------                ----------- 
             Total sales                                      $  24,502,571                 30,966,339                 28,895,372
                                                              =============               ============                ===========
       Operating income (loss):                               
        Swiss American Division                               $    (555,721)                 1,072,749                    425,280
        Royal-Angelus Division                                    1,111,545                    794,617                    507,914
        Corporate                                                  (100,135)                   (70,398)                   (76,778)
                                                              -------------               ------------                ----------- 
             Operating income                                 $     455,689                  1,796,968                    856,416
                                                              =============               ============                =========== 
                                                                 
       Identifiable assets:                                   
        Swiss American Division                               $  12,651,307                  5,214,515                  4,920,249
        Royal-Angelus Division                                    4,405,736                  5,098,629                  5,185,553
        Corporate                                                   222,620                  1,225,914                    308,044
                                                              -------------               ------------                ----------- 
             Total assets                                     $  17,279,663                 11,539,058                 10,413,846
                                                              =============               ============                =========== 
                                                               
       Capital expenditures:                                  
        Swiss American Division                               $   3,288,356                    241,686                         --
        Royal-Angelus Division                                      293,413                     60,810                    194,775
        Corporate                                                     5,598                         --                        587
                                                              -------------               ------------                ----------- 
             Total capital expenditures                       $   3,587,367                    302,496                    195,362
                                                              =============               ============                =========== 
                                                              
       Depreciation and amortization:                         
        Swiss American Division                               $     155,742                    201,537                    213,892
        Royal-Angelus Division                                      291,508                    327,995                    352,669
        Corporate                                                     5,598                      5,587                      5,898
                                                              -------------               ------------                ----------- 
             Total depreciation and                           
                amortization                                  $     452,848                    535,119                    572,459
                                                              =============               ============                =========== 
</TABLE>

                                           F-16
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997


   The Company had major customers during 1998, 1997 and 1996 that accounted for
   more than 10% of consolidated sales and purchased products, as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         Accounts receivable
                             1998                       1997                       1996                balance at December 31
                     -------------------       --------------------        -------------------        -------------------------   
   Customer             Sales        %            Sales         %              Sales        %            1998            1997
- --------------       -----------   -----       -----------    -----        -----------    ----        ----------      --------- 
        <S>          <C>           <C>         <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>        <C>             <C>
          A          $ 2,626,616      11       $  7,356,414      24        $ 7,043,135      24        $ 206,465       $ 807,982
          B            2,987,405      12          3,275,088      11          3,158,942      11               --              --
          C          $ 2,727,134      11       $         --      -                  --      -         $ 283,106       $      --
                     ===========   =====       ============   =====        ===========    ====        =========       =========
</TABLE>

(13) Commitments and Contingencies

     The following table summarizes future minimum lease commitments required
     under various noncancelable operating leases:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Amount        
                                                         ----------
                                                                          
                  Year ending December 31:                                
                        <S>                              <C>             
                         1999                            $ 260,114        
                         2000                              270,519        
                         2001                              114,552        
                                                         ---------
                                                                          
                                                         $ 645,185  
                                                         =========
</TABLE>

     Rent expense for all leases was approximately $405,000, $396,000 and
     $387,000 in the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

     As of December 31, 1998, 37% of the Company's employees are covered by a
     collective bargaining agreement which expires March 31, 2002.

     The Company is involved in a legal action arising in the ordinary course of
     business.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of this
     matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

(14) Self-Insured Health Benefits

     The Company is self-funded for Company provided health insurance benefits
     for its nonunion employees. The profit or loss effects of self-insuring
     cannot be foreseen and may be adverse. The Company has a reinsurance policy
     which covers claims in excess of $40,000 for any covered individual.

(15) Casualty Loss

     On August 1, 1998, a fire destroyed one of the Company's two meat
     processing facilities located in San Francisco, CA. The destroyed facility
     was being leased under an operating lease expiring on November 1, 1998. The
     fire destroyed inventory with a net book value of $1,112,435 and certain
     equipment and leasehold improvements with a net book value of $474,835. The
     inventory was insured at market value and the equipment and leasehold
     improvements were insured at replacement cost. The total recovery for

                                     F-17
<PAGE>
 
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                          December 31, 1998 and 1997


     inventory, equipment and leasehold improvements totaled $3,117,607. The
     Company is also being reimbursed for incremental costs under its "Business
     Interruption & Extra Expense" coverage, which reimbursement totaled
     $1,954,670 as of December 31, 1998. The business interruption claims are
     ongoing until the Company's new meat processing facility is completed,
     which is scheduled to be completed in fiscal 1999. As of December 31, 1998,
     the Company's total insurance claims were $5,204,738, resulting in a gain
     of $3,204,542, which is included in "Other income". The Company has
     received a partial payment of $3,000,000 as of December 31, 1998 and the
     remaining amount of $2,204,738 is included in the balance sheet as
     "Insurance recovery receivable," as it was received after December 31,
     1998. There has been no final settlement on any of the aforementioned
     claims.

                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 

                              PROVENA FOODS INC.

         Schedule II:  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

                 Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Balance at                                Deductions -
                                    beginning of           Provision, net      uncollectible       Balance at end
       Description                     period              of recoveries         accounts            of period
       -----------                ----------------         --------------      ----------------    ---------------
<S>                               <C>                      <C>                 <C>                 <C>           
Allowance for doubtful
  receivables:
    1998                           $10,934                   ---                 10,934                   ---
                                    ======                ======                =======                 ======   
                                   
    1997                           $   ---                36,241                (25,307)                10,934
                                   =======               =======                =======                 ======       
                                   
    1996                           $54,700               (43,637)               (11,063)                  ---  
                                   =======               =======                =======                 =====         
</TABLE> 

See accompanying independent auditors' report.

                                     F-19

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 3.13
 
                             MINUTES OF MEETING OF
                             BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
                              PROVENA FOODS INC.
                             ---------------------

     A special meeting of the board of directors of Provena Foods Inc. was held 
at 9:00 a.m. on February 21, 1998 at 5010 Eucalyptus Avenue, Chino, California
91710.  All of the directors were present.

     John D. Determan and Thomas J. Mulroney reported on the current operations
and financial condition of the corporation.  Ronald A. Provera and Santo Zito 
reported on the pasta division and the need for a long goods line, and Theodore
A. Arena reported on the meat division and the progress in locating, financing 
and constructing a new meat plant.

     The board RESOLVED that the board hereby declares a quarterly dividend of 
$0.03 per share payable March 31, 1998 to shareholders of record March 10, 
1998, with Louis A. Arena dissenting in favor of an increase in the dividend, 
and unanimously:  authorized the pasta division to purchase a long goods line 
for $1,000,000; approved the Form 10-K 1997 annual report, the 1998 proxy 
material, the 1998 capital budget of $160,000 for the pasta division and 
$100,000 for the meat division, plus the cost of a long goods line and a new 
meat plant; RESOLVED that the officers of the corporation, and any one or more 
of them are hereby authorized and directed to execute such documents and take 
such actions as they deem necessary or appropriate to accomplish the financing 
and construction of a new plant; and RESOLVED, that Section 4.4 of the bylaws be
amended to read in full as follows:

               Section 4.4  Duties of Officers.  The principal officers shall 
                            ------------------
have the duties normally associated with their titles and such other duties as 
may be assigned by the board, provided that the president shall be the general 
manager and chief executive officer and the chairman of the board shall have 
coextensive executive authority subordinate only to the president.  The 
secondary officers shall have such duties as may be assigned by the board or by 
any officer empowered by the board to assign such duties.



       Theodore L. Arena                                Louis A. Arena         
- -------------------------------                --------------------------------
       Theodore L. Arena                                Louis A. Arena


      Thomas J. Mulroney                               John D. Determan
- -------------------------------                --------------------------------
      Thomas J. Mulroney                               John D. Determan


       Ronald A. Provera                                  Santo Zito
- -------------------------------                --------------------------------
       Ronald A. Provera                                  Santo Zito


       Joseph W. Wolbers                              John M. Boukather
- -------------------------------                --------------------------------
       Joseph W. Wolbers                              John M. Boukather






<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.37

 
                                                                   June 15, 1998


             FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE DATED DECEMBER 18, 1995
                    BETWEEN PROVENA FOODS, INC., AS LESSOR,
                         AND R-COLD, INC., AS LESSEE.
                   5060 EUCALYPTUS AVENUE, CHINO, CALIFORNIA



In accordance with Paragraph 47.3 of the above referenced lease (Option to 
Extend), the terms of the lease shall be modified based on the following terms 
and conditions:

1.  Rental Rate:         March 1, 1999  $9,010.00/month ($.34/S.F.)
                         March 1, 2000  $9,407.50/month ($.355/S.F.)


2.  Commencement Date:   March 1, 1999


3.  Expiration Date:     February 29, 2001 

4.  Security Deposit:    Security deposit shall be increased from $8,347.50 to
                         $9,407.50.


All other terms and conditions of the referenced lease shall remain in full 
force and effect.



Thomas J. Mulroney         6/17/98        M. Mulcahy                  6/16/98
- -----------------------------------       -----------------------------------
Lessor                      Date          Lessee                      Date
Provena Foods, Inc.                       R-Cold, Inc.

                                          M. Mulcahy                  6/18/98
                                          -----------------------------------
                                          Lessee                      Date  
                                          Thermo-Lok, Inc.






 

<PAGE>
 
               CONSTRUCTION/DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN OWNER,
                           CONTRACTOR AND DEVELOPER
                 (SWISS AMERICAN SAUSAGE FACILITY/CROSSROADS)


     THIS CONSTRUCTION/DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN OWNER, CONTRACTOR, AND
DEVELOPER ("AGREEMENT"), dated for reference purposes as June 19, 1998 is made
by and between SWISS AMERICAN SAUSAGE CO., DIVISION OF PROVENA FOODS INC., a
corporation organized under the laws of the State of California (hereinafter
called "OWNER"), A.P. THOMAS CONSTRUCTION, INC., a california corporation
(hereinafter called "CONTRACTOR"), and CATLIN PROPERTIES, INC., a California
corporation ("DEVELOPER"), with respect to the construction by Contractor of the
project (hereinafter the "PROPERTY" or "PROJECT"), described in Exhibit A
                                                                --------- 
attached hereto. The date upon which this Agreement is fully executed by all
parties shall be referred to hereinafter as the "EFFECTIVE DATE".

                                   ARTICLE 1
                                  DEFINITIONS

    A.  The "OWNER" is the person or entity identified as such in the Agreement
and is referred to throughout the Contract Documents (as hereinafter defined).

    B.  the "DEVELOPER" is the person or entity identified as such in the
Agreement and is referred to throughout the Contract Documents. Pursuant to
separate documentation, Developer is the authorized agent of Crossroads CREA
Investors LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with regard to the
development of the Project known as "Crossroads Commercial Center," located in
Lathrop, California, in which the Project is located.

    C.  The "CONTRACTOR" is the person or entity identified as such in the
Agreement and is referred to throughout the Contract Documents.

    D.  The "ARCHITECT" shall mean W.B. Clausen Structural Engineers Inc., or
any other qualified architect agreed upon by Developer and Owner.

    E.  The "PROJECT" is the total design and construction for which the
Contractor is responsible under this Agreement, including, all professional
design services and all construction documents, labor, materials, supplies,
fixtures, tools, equipment, transportation, and other items to perform all work
of whatever nature to construct upon the Property and complete in a workmanlike
manner that certain Project generally described in Exhibit A attached hereto.
                                                   ---------                 

    F.  The "WORK" is the performance of Contractor's obligations set forth in
this Agreement and as provided in Exhibit B attached hereto.
                                  ---------                 

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
    G.  The "CONTRACT DOCUMENTS" consist of this Agreement, the documents listed
in this Agreement, and the documents set forth in Exhibit C attached hereto.
                                                  ---------                 

                                   ARTICLE 2
                           PLAN AND ESTIMATE PROCESS

     2.1  PRELIMINARY PLANS/PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE. The Architect, pursuant
          ------------------------------------------- 
to separate documentation entered into directly between Owner and Architect, at
Owner's cost, shall prepare preliminary plans and specifications ("PRELIMINARY
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS") of the Project, which shall be in sufficient detail
to enable a preliminary cost estimate to be developed, and deliver such document
to Developer and Contractor within one (1) day following the Effective Date.
Owner shall cause the Architect to reasonably cooperate with Developer and
Contractor with regard to any requested modifications necessary to enable the
preparation of a preliminary cost estimate ("PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE") of the
expense of constructing the Project. The Developer and Contractor shall deliver
to Owner the Preliminary Cost Estimate within one (1) day following their
receipt of the Preliminary Plans and Specifications. Owner shall approve or
disapprove of the Preliminary Cost Estimate within one (1) day following receipt
of such document by delivery of written notice ("PRELIMINARY COST NOTICE") to
Developer and Contractor. If such notice disapproves of such estimate and such
estimate is not amended to the satisfaction of Owner, Developer and Contractor
within one (1) day following the date of Developer's and Contractor's receipt of
the Preliminary Cost Notice, this Agreement shall automatically terminate and
the parties shall have no further obligations hereunder. The failure of Owner to
deliver the Preliminary Cost Notice within the specified time period shall be
deemed Owner's disapproval of the Preliminary Cost Estimate. In preparing the
Preliminary Cost Estimate, Developer and Contractor shall use their collective
commercially reasonable efforts to approximate the expected cost of constructing
the Project, consulting with subcontractors, materialmen and/or service
providers, to determine such estimate, and such analysis shall be summarized and
included with the Preliminary Cost Estimate. As a result of the preliminary
nature of the Preliminary Cost Estimate, the Developer and Contractor make no
representation or warranty regarding such matters, however, if, following
delivery of the Preliminary Cost Estimate, Developer and/or Contractor discover
that any line item within such estimate is materially inaccurate, Developer or
Contractor, as appropriate, shall provide Owner with written notice of such
determination. Owner shall evidence its approval of the Preliminary Plans and
Specifications, within one (1) day following Developer's and Contractor's
receipt of the Preliminary Cost Estimate, by signing such document and
delivering it to Developer and Contractor, following which such document shall
be referred to as the "APPROVED PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE."

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
    2.2  AGREED PRICE. Within three (3) days following Owner's approval of the
         ------------                                                         
Approved Preliminary Cost Estimate, Owner shall cause the Architect to
immediately commence the preparation of final plans and specifications ("PLANS
AND SPECIFICATIONS"), consisting of technical drawings, schedules, diagrams,
material criteria and specifications, for the Project, and deliver such document
to Developer and Contractor. Owner shall cause the Plans and Specifications to
be delivered to Developer and Contractor not later than ten (10) days following
the commencement of preparation of such documents. Owner shall cause the
Architect to incorporate any reasonable modifications requested by Developer
and/or Contractor necessary to make such document either consistent with the
Preliminary Plans and Specifications or necessary to enable a final price
proposal to be developed ("FIXED PRICE PROPOSAL"). Within ten (10) days
following Developer's and Contractor's receipt of the Plans and Specifications,
Developer and Contractor shall prepare and deliver the Fixed Price Proposal to
Owner. Such budget shall set forth all costs and expenses necessary to construct
the Project consistent with the Plans and Specifications, established customary
contingencies for the various stages of construction, and include copies of all
bids received from qualified subcontractors utilized by Contractor in preparing
and finalizing the Fixed Price Proposal. Within three (3) days following Owner's
receipt of the Fixed Price Proposal, Owner shall approve or disapprove such
document, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, by delivery of
written notice to Contractor and Owner. Contractor shall incorporate any
reasonable revisions to the Fixed Price Proposal requested by Owner. In the
event that Owner, Contractor and Developer cannot agree upon the Fixed Price
Proposal within twenty (20) days following Owner's receipt thereof, this
Agreement shall automatically terminate and, except as provided herein, the
parties shall have no further obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the
Agreement terminates pursuant to the provisions of this Section 2.2, and the
total Fixed Price Proposal is less than or equal to Three Million Eight Hundred
Twenty Thousand and No/lOOths Dollars ($3,820,000.00) for the cost of the
Project, plus Two Hundred Ninety Thousand and No/lOOths Dollars ($290,000.00)
for all fees for utility hookup, and construction permits, within five (5) days
of such termination, Owner shall pay Contractor the amount of Twenty Thousand
and No/lOOths Dollars ($20,000.00) ("SECTION 2.2 TERMINATION FEE"). Upon
Owner's approval of the Fixed Price Proposal, Owner shall evidence such approval
by signing such document and deliver it to Developer and Contractor, following
which such document shall be referred to as the "FIXED PRICE AGREEMENT."

     2.3  PROGRESS SCHEDULE. Concurrent with Contractor's delivery of the Fixed
Price Proposal, Contractor shall prepare and deliver to Owner a proposed time
schedule ("PROPOSED TIME SCHEDULE") relating to the Work. Within five (5) days
following

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
Owner's receipt of the Proposed Time Schedule, Owner shall approve or disapprove
such document, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, by delivery of
written notice to Developer and Contractor. Contractor shall incorporate any
reasonable revisions to the Proposed Time Schedule requested by Owner. Owner's
approval of the Fixed Price Agreement shall also be deemed Owner's approval of
the Proposed Time Schedule, following which, such document shall be referred to
as the "APPROVED TIME SCHEDULE."

                                   ARTICLE 3
                          DEVELOPER RESPONSIBILITIES

     3.1  DEVELOPER'S SERVICES. The Developer will perform the following
          -------------------- 
services under this Agreement in each of the two phases described below.

          3.1.1  Design Phase.
                 ------------ 

               (a)  Consultation During Project Development. Schedule and attend
                    ---------------------------------------                     
regular meetings with the Architect during the Design Phase (as hereinafter
defined) to advise on site use and improvements, selection of materials,
building systems and equipment. Provide recommendations on construction
feasibility, availability of materials and labor, time requirements for
installation and construction, and factors related to cost including costs of
alternative designs or materials.

               (b)  Scheduling. Develop, in conjunction with Contractor, the
                    ----------
Proposed Time Schedule, that coordinates and integrates the Architect's design
efforts with construction schedules. Update the Proposed Time Schedule
incorporating a detailed schedule for the construction operations of the
Project, including realistic activity sequences and durations, allocation of
labor and materials, processing of shop drawings and samples, and delivery of
products requiring long lead-time procurement.

               (c)  Project Construction Budget. Prepare, in conjunction with
                    ---------------------------                              
Contractor, the Fixed Price Proposal as provided in this Agreement.

               (d)  Coordination of Contract Documents. Review the Plans and
                    ----------------------------------                      
Specifications as they are being prepared, recommending alternative solutions
whenever design details affect construction feasibility or schedules without,
however, assuming any of the Architect's responsibilities for design. Review the
Plans and Specifications with the Architect to eliminate areas of conflict and
overlapping in the Work to be performed by the various trade contractors and
prepare prequalification criteria for bidders.

               (e)  Equal Employment Opportunity. Determine, or assure
                    ----------------------------
compliance of, applicable requirements for equal

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
employment opportunity programs for inclusion in Project bidding documents.

     3.2  CONSTRUCTION PHASE.
          ------------------ 

          3.2.1  Project Control. During the Construction Phase (as hereinafter
                 ---------------                                               
defined), monitor the Work of the Contractor and coordinate the Work with the
activities and responsibilities of the Owner, Architect and Contractor to
complete the Project in accordance with the Approved Time Schedule.

               (a)  Establish procedures for coordination among the Owner,
Architect, and Contractor with respect to all aspects of the Project and
implement such procedures.

               (b)  Schedule and conduct progress meetings at which Contractor,
Owner, and Architect with respect to all aspects of the Project and implement
such procedures.

               (c)  Provide regular monitoring of the schedule as construction
progresses. Identify potential variances between scheduled and Completion Date
(as hereinafter defined). Review schedule for Work not started or incomplete and
recommend to the Owner and Contractor adjustments in the Approved Time Schedule
to meet the Completion Date.

          3.2.2  Permits. Process all appropriate documentation to obtain the
                 -------                                                     
Building Permit, Health/Safety Permit and all other applicable permits necessary
with regard to the Work. Such process shall be subject to Owner's obligation to
pay for all requisite fees for such permits.

          3.2.3  Intentionally omitted.

          3.2.4  Inspection. Inspect the Work of the Contractors for defects and
                 ----------                                                     
deficiencies in the Work without assuming any of the Architect's
responsibilities for inspection.

          3.2.5  Shop Drawings and Samples. In collaboration with the Architect,
                 -------------------------                                      
establish and implement procedures for expediting the processing and approval of
shop drawings and samples.

          3.2.6  Reports and Project Site Documents. Record the progress of the
                 ----------------------------------                            
Project. Submit progress reports to the Owner and the Architect. Cause
Contractor to maintain at the Project site, on a current basis, records of all
necessary contracts, drawings, samples, purchases, materials, equipment,
maintenance and operating manuals and instructions, and other construction
related documents, including all revisions. At the completion of the Project,
cause Contractor to deliver all such records to the Owner.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
          3.2.7  Start-up. With the Owner's personnel, direct the checkout of
                 --------                                                    
utilities, operations systems and equipment for readiness and assist in their
initial start-up and testing.

          3.2.8  Final Completion. Determine final completion and provide notice
                 ----------------                                               
to the Owner and Architect that the Work is ready for final inspection. Secure
and transmit to the Architect required guarantees, affidavits, releases, bonds
and waivers. Turn over to the Owner all keys, manuals, record drawings and
maintenance stocks.

     3.3  COMPENSATION FOR DEVELOPER. As compensation for services rendered by
          --------------------------                                          
Developer in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, Owner agrees to
pay Developer the amount of Two Hundred Sixty-Nine Thousand and No/l00ths
Dollars ($269,000.00) ("DEVELOPER FEE AND PROFIT"). Within ten (10) days
following Developer's delivery to Owner of written demand to Owner, in addition
to the Developer Fee, Owner shall pay to Developer the amount of Two Thousand
Five Hundred and No/l00ths Dollars ($2,500.00) for title services, the amount of
Seven Thousand Five Hundred and No/l00ths Dollars ($7,500.00) for soils analysis
plus the amount of Fifteen Thousand and No/l00ths Dollars ($15,000.00) for legal
services (collectively, "ADDITIONAL FEE"). The Developer Fee shall be paid on a
percentage of completion basis of the Work, which completion percentages shall
be confirmed in writing by the Architect. Developer shall submit a written
invoice for such percentage portion of Developer Fee not more than once every
thirty (30) day period during the term of this Agreement. In the event that this
Agreement is terminated in accordance with the provisions contained herein,
Owner shall pay to Developer the Additional Fee plus the portion of the
Developer Fee earned as of the date of such termination, and Owner shall have no
obligation to pay Developer the remaining unpaid portion of the Developer Fee.

                                   ARTICLE 4
                         CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDING

     4.1  SCOPE OF WORK FOR CONTRACTOR. Contractor agrees to furnish all labor,
          ----------------------------                                         
services, materials, equipment, and supplies required for the prompt and
efficient completion of the Project, including all work necessary or incidental
thereto, and as more particularly described in the Plans and Specifications (as
hereinafter defined).

          A.   BASIC SERVICES - DESIGN PHASE. The Contractor's basic services
               -----------------------------                                 
during the period of time in which Architect is preparing the Preliminary Plans
and Specifications ("DESIGN PHASE") are as described below.

               (1)  The Contractor shall consult the Owner to ascertain
requirements of the Project and shall review such requirements with the Owner.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
               (2)  The Contractor shall provide, after consultation with the
Owner, a preliminary evaluation of the Project.

               (3)  The Contractor shall review with the Owner, alternative
approaches to design and construction of the Project.

               (4)  The Contractor shall submit to the Owner for approval a
proposal including the proposed schedule for completion of the Work and all
other information necessary to complete the Project.

          B.   BASIC SERVICES-CONSTRUCTION PHASE. The Contractor's basic
               --------------------------------- 
services following Owner's approval of the Fixed Price Agreement are described
below.

               (1)  The Contractor shall obtain necessary approvals of the Plans
and Specifications by the governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the
Project, which includes the obtaining of a building permit ("BUILDING PERMIT"),
the cost for which shall be the obligation of Owner, which cost shall be set
forth in the Fixed Price Agreement. Owner agrees that all permits necessary for
the handling, processing and/or packaging of food products and/or which are
mandated by health and food safety governmental department shall be the
obligation of Owner to obtain, which permits are collectively referred to as
"HEALTH/FOOD PERMITS."

               (2)  During the course of construction, the Contractor shall
prosecute the Work diligently to completion with the sufficient people on the
job at all times and shall cooperate with and provide access and coordination
for the electrical installation and preparation for and installation of
equipment by contractors engaged directly by the Owner.

               (3)  Unless otherwise provided in the Contract Documents, the
Contractor shall pay for labor, materials, equipment, tools, construction
equipment and machinery, water, heat, utilities, transportation and other
facilities and services necessary for proper execution and completion of the
Work.

               (4)  The Contractor shall correct Work which does not conform to
the Construction Documents, unless approved in writing by Owner.

               (5)  The Contractor shall give notices and comply with laws,
ordinances, rules, regulations and lawful orders of public authorities relating
to the Project.

               (6)  The Contractor at all times shall keep the Property and
surrounding area free from dust which might become a nuisance to other property
owners, accumulation of waste materials or rubbish caused by the operations
under the Agreement. At the completion of the Work, the Contractor shall

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
remove from and about the Project the Contractor's tools, construction
equipment, machinery, surplus materials, waste materials and rubbish. If after
first giving seven (7) days written notice to Contractor, the Contractor fails
to clean up at the completion of the Work, the Owner may do so as provided in
the Contract Documents, and the cost thereof shall be deducted from the Contract
Sum. Contractor shall perform the following final cleaning activities for all
trades at the completion of the Work:

                    (i)    Remove any temporary structures;

                    (ii)   Remove to a reasonable standard marks, stains,
fingerprints and other soil or dirt from painted, decorated and natural finish
woodwork;

                    (iii)  Remove spots, plaster, soil and paint from ceramic
tile, marble, interior and exterior glass and other finished materials, and wash
or wipe clean;

                    (iv)   Clean fixtures, cabinet work and equipment, removing
stains, paint, dirt and dust, and leave same in undamaged, new condition;

                    (v)    Clean aluminum in accordance with recommendations of
the manufacturer; and

                    (vi)   Mop clean resilient floors thoroughly.

               (7)  The Contractor shall prepare Change Orders (as hereinafter
defined) for changes requested by Owner or Contractor for the Owner's written
approval and execution in accordance with this Agreement.

               (8)  The Contractor shall maintain in good order at the site one
record copy of the drawings, specifications, product data, samples, shop
drawings, Change Orders and other modifications, marked currently to record
changes made during construction. These shall be delivered to the Owner upon
completion of the design and construction and prior to final payment.

                                   ARTICLE 5
                 DATE OF COMMENCEMENT, SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION
                            AND TIME OF PERFORMANCE

    5.1   TIME OF PERFORMANCE. Contractor agrees to begin work as soon as
          -------------------                                            
reasonably possible following receipt of the Building Permit in accordance with
the Approved Time Schedule, to prosecute construction of the Project
energetically and in full cooperation with Owner and other contractors. The date
set forth in the Approved Time Schedule as commencement of Work shall be
referred to as the "COMMENCEMENT DATE" and the completion date set forth therein
shall be referred to as the "COMPLETION DATE."

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
All Work as set forth in the Approved Time Schedule shall be subject to delays
resulting from a Force Majeure Event.

     5.2  COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT
          -------------------------

          A.  SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION. "SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION" or "SUBSTANTIALLY
              ----------------------                                            
COMPLETE" shall mean the point in the progress of the Project when (i)
construction is sufficiently complete to obtain final inspection and approvals
in accordance with applicable law, (ii) all landscaping required by the Plan and
Specifications is installed, (iii) all paving for driveways, sidewalks and
parking areas required by the Plans and Specifications is completed, (iv) the
Project may be utilized for its intended use, and (v) Contractor has cleaned the
Project as required by this Agreement. Upon notification by Contractor that the
Contractor considers the Project according to the Plans and Specifications as
being Substantially Complete, Owner's agent (the "OWNER'S CONSTRUCTION
CONSULTANT") and Developer shall promptly inspect the Project to determine
whether it is Substantially Complete. If the Owner's Construction Consultant and
Developer reasonably determines that the Project is Substantially Complete, the
Owner's Construction Consultant shall issue a "CERTIFICATE OF SUBSTANTIAL
COMPLETION" indicating that Substantial Completion has been achieved, which
shall not relieve Contractor of any ongoing obligation hereunder or certify that
the Work was done in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. If such
inspection discloses any item which prevents a determination of Substantial
Completion ("MAJOR ITEM"), then Contractor shall complete such item before the
Owner's Construction Consultant issues his Certificate of Substantial
Completion. All cost and expense for services of the Owner's Construction
Consultant shall be paid by Owner over and above the Contract Sum.

          B.  PUNCH LIST. At the time of Substantial Completion, Owner (with the
              ----------                                                        
assistance of Developer) and Contractor shall prepare a written list of minor
items ("PUNCH LIST") which must be completed by the Contractor in order to
achieve final completion of the Work. In the event such parties are unable to
agree upon the minor items to be included on the Punch List, then both parties
agree to arbitrate the disagreement in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement. Contractor shall complete Punch List work within thirty (30) days
following the date of issuance of the Punch List to the extent such items may be
completed within such time period (items which require longer than thirty (30)
days shall be completed thereafter using Contractor's due diligence).

          If Contractor fails to complete the Punch List within thirty (30) days
(or immediately thereafter as provided above), Owner shall be entitled to
complete the Punch List itself and deduct the cost thereof from any payments
remaining to be made by Owner under this Agreement. Contractor, Developer and
Owner's

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
Construction Consultant shall review the Punch List and determine the estimated
cost of completing the Punch List work.

          Owner shall be entitled to withhold from payment of the Contract Sum
an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the estimated cost of
completing the Punch List work pending completion of the Punch List work. Upon
completion of the Punch List Items, in the event Owner still fails to make the
Final Payment (as hereinafter defined) within thirty (30) days of the date on
which such sum is due, then Owner shall incur a penalty for late payment equal
to five percent (5%) of the Final Payment due.

          C.  NOTICE OF COMPLETION. Within ten (10) days after issuance of the
              --------------------
Certificate of Substantial Completion, Owner shall file for record a "NOTICE OF
COMPLETION" with the county Recorder, and evidence of such filing shall be
submitted to the Contractor.

     5.3  FORCE MAJEURE. If Contractor is delayed in the prosecution or
          -------------
completion of its obligations hereunder by the act, neglect, default or delay of
Owner, acts of God, including, but not limited to, flood, earthquake, tornado,
wind, and rain delays, lock-outs, war, civil commotion, strikes materials
interruptions, fire or other casualty, or any similar unforeseen matters, beyond
Contractor's control which prevent access to the job site by workers or prevent
work from being done ("FORCE MAJEURE EVENT"), then the time herein fixed for
completion of such obligations set forth in the Approved Time Schedule shall be
extended by the number of days that Contractor has thus been delayed.
Notwithstanding the occurrence of any of the foregoing, Contractor shall use all
due diligence to complete the Project by the Completion Date.

     5.4  CHANGES/EXTRA WORK. No changes shall be made in the Work, the Plans
          ------------------
and Specifications, the Contract Sun, the Approved Time Schedule or the
Completion Date, unless a written change order ("CHANGE ORDER") specifying the
changes has been executed by the Owner and the Contractor, except that
Contractor shall effect a change within the general scope of the Project upon
written direction of the Owner without a Change Order, and the Contract Sum or
Completion Date or both shall be equitably adjusted therefor. Upon any request
from the Owner for a change in the Work, the Contractor shall promptly prepare
and submit to the Owner a proposed Change Order specifying any changes in the
Contract Sum and Completion Date by reason of the requested change. The
Contractor shall perform the work in compliance with the inspection and other
requirements of any applicable governmental entity with jurisdiction over the
Work. If the Contractor claims that any extra work is required by reason of any
act of the Owner or defect in the Plans and Specifications, the Contractor shall
promptly submit a proposed Change Order to the Owner therefor.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
     5.5  LIENS. Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold Owner harmless
          -----                                                            
against any and all claims, liability, loss, damage, cost or expenses, including
reasonable attorneys' fees, award and judgments arising by reason of claims,
liens, stop notices or bond claims asserted for labor, materials, or equipment
used or furnished for use on the Project, arising out of Contractor's, or its
subcontractor's work only; provided, however such indemnification obligation is
conditioned upon Owner complying with the provisions of this Agreement and
making the specified payments expressly set forth herein. Upon any application
for a progress payment hereunder Contractor shall provide conditional lien
releases acceptable to Owner's lender from the relevant persons or entities
having potential lien claims.

     5.6  ACCESS TO RECORDS. Contractor agrees that its records shall be kept on
          -----------------                                                     
an "open book basis" and that Owner shall have the right to review Contractor's
records relating to the Work upon written request.

                                   ARTICLE 6
                  QUALITY OF THE WORK AND RELATED PROVISIONS


     6.1  QUALITY OF THE WORK. All materials, equipment and Work
          -------------------                                   
furnished by or on behalf of Contractor shall strictly comply with all
requirements of this Agreement and the Plans and/or Specifications, be of good
and workmanlike quality and free from defects, and shall be subject to
inspection and approval by Owner. Defective or nonconforming materials,
equipment or work shall, at Owner's option, be repaired or replaced, at
Contractor's sole expense immediately upon notification thereof, to the
satisfaction of Owner. The cost to repair any adjacent materials, equipment or
work disturbed or damaged during or as a result of any such corrective work
shall also be paid by Contractor. All corrective materials, equipment and work
is similarly guaranteed. No inspection, failure of inspection or payment to
Contractor shall be deemed a waiver of the foregoing; and nothing herein shall
exclude or limit any warranties implied by law. If Contractor fails, neglects or
refuses, within seven (7) days after written demand is made by Owner, to correct
any defective materials, equipment or work, Owner may, without further notice or
demand, cause such defective materials, equipment or work to be repaired or
replaced by others. Contractor shall immediately reimburse Owner for the cost of
such repair or replacement. This warranty, which shall be limited for a term of
one (1) year following the filing of Notice of Completion, shall not reduce, and
is in addition to, Contractor's liability under other provisions of applicable
law or for latent defects.

     6.2  SUBCONTRACTORS. Contractor may hire subcontractors to perform work on
          --------------                                                       
the Project. Contractor shall have full directing authority over the execution
of subcontracts and shall

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
provide Owner with a list of all subcontractors Contractor may use. In the event
Owner objects to any subcontractor or the quality of work of any subcontractor,
it shall notify Contractor in writing of the identity of the subcontractor and
the specific objection warranting the notice. Contractor shall then investigate
and report back to Owner and thereafter each shall negotiate in good faith to
attempt to rectify the objection. Contractor warrants to Owner that each
subcontractor to be used on the Project shall maintain the required licenses in
good standing, the required Workers' Compensation coverage for employees,
adequate liability insurance and adequate financial strength to complete the
Project and shall otherwise comply with Section 6.4(d).

     6.3  PROTECTION OF WORK. Contractor shall secure and protect the Work done
          ------------------
hereunder until Substantial Completion.

    6.4   INSURANCE. Contractor shall procure and maintain insurance on all of
          ---------                                                           
its operations during the progress of the Work, with reliable insurance
companies, on forms reasonably acceptable to Owner, for the following minimum
insurance coverages:

          (a)  Workers' compensation insurance and occupational disease
insurance as required by law and employer's liability insurance with minimum
limits of $1,000,000 covering all workplaces involved in this Agreement.

          (b)  Comprehensive general liability insurance, including Contractor's
contingent coverage, with limits of not less than as indicated in either (1) or
(2) as follows: (1) Bodily Injury Liability - $1,000,000 each person, $1,000,000
each occurrence; Property Damage Liability - $1,000,000 each occurrence,
$2,000,000 aggregate; (2) a single limit for Bodily Injury Liability and
Property Damage Liability combined of $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000
aggregate.

          (c)  The insurance shall be on an occurrence basis and shall cover all
operations of Contractor, including, but not limited to, the following: (i)
premises and operations; (ii) contractual liability insuring the obligations
assumed by Contractor in this Agreement; (iii) explosion, collapse, and
underground property damage; (iv) broad form property damage liability
endorsement; and (v) personal injury liability endorsement.

          (d)  The policies referred to in subsections (a) and (b) shall be
primary and noncontributing and name Owner as an additional insured. Contractor
shall also provide Certificates of Insurance, or other evidence of insurance as
requested by Owner, to Owner before any Work is commenced hereunder by
Contractor. The certificates shall provide that there will be no cancellation,
reduction or modification of coverage without thirty (30) days' prior written
notice to Owner.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
     6.5  BUILDER'S RISK. Prior to the commencement of the physical Work of
          --------------
construction on the Project, or any portion thereof, Contractor shall procure or
cause to be procured, the following insurance coverage with respect to the
Project. Such insurance shall be issued by insurance carriers to which Owner
makes no reasonable objection, and shall be maintained in full force and effect
throughout the term of this Agreement. The cost of such insurance shall be paid
by Owner, which cost shall be included by Contractor in the Contract Sum.

          (a)  A broad-form builder's risk insurance with course of
construction, vandalism, and malicious mischief clauses attached, insuring
against all risks of physical loss, in an amount not less than one hundred
percent (100%) of the insurable value of the Project, on (1) the structures upon
which the Project is to be constructed; (2) the Project; (3) all work in
progress including materials to be incorporated in the Project which qualifies
for payment under the terms of this Agreement, regardless of whether said
materials are stored on the site or actually incorporated into the Project; and
(4) all special equipment or forms, owned or rented by Contractor, especially
designed for the Project. Owner shall be provided with a duplicate copy of the
insurance policy evidencing such coverage, which shall name Owner as additional
insured and shall provide that the policy shall not be canceled, reduced or
modified by the insurer until after thirty (30) days' written notice to Owner
and to Contractor. Contractor assumes the risk and liability of all casualty
losses with respect to the risks described above which are within loss
deductible clauses.

          (b)  The broad-form builder's risk insurance coverage herein required
shall be for the benefit of Contractor and Owner as their interest may appear;
and all sums payable thereunder shall be paid to Owner as trustee for the
insured and held in a trust fund for the purpose of paying the costs, in whole
or in part, or restoring or rebuilding the Project to be constructed in order to
assure contractor's compliance with the obligation to complete the Project.

          (c)  Contractor and Owner each hereby grant to the other on behalf of
any insurer providing insurance required by this Section, a waiver or any right
of subrogation which such insurer may acquire against the other by virtue of
payment of any loss under such insurance; provided, however, that any such
waiver shall be effective only in the event that, and only so long as, the party
waiving subrogation rights is empowered to grant such a waiver under the terms
of the policy or policies involved without affecting the insurance coverage.

     6.6  INDEMNITY. Contractor shall, with respect to all Work which is covered
          ---------                                                             
by or incidental to this Agreement [including, without limitation, all work
performed by Contractor's subcontractors, employees and/or agents (collectively,

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
"CONTRACTOR'S AGENTS") and/or incidental thereto], defend, indemnify, and hold
Owner and Developer harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities,
losses, damages, costs and/or expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees,
awards, fines or judgments, arising by reason of any claim for compensation, the
death or bodily injury to persons (including its employees and employees of
Contractor's Agents), injury to property, design defects or other loss, damage
or expense of any kind whatsoever, including any of the same resulting from
Contractor's and/or Contractor's Agents alleged or actual negligent and/or
intentional act or omission, regardless of whether such act or omission is
active or passive. In the instance in which Owner and/or Developer suffers any
liability, loss, damage, costs or other expense that is in part the fault of
Owner or Owner's agents, then Contractor shall remain obligated to indemnify
Owner to the extent of Contractor's and/or Contractor's Agents' fault,
negligence and/or willful misconduct.

     6.7  CLEANUP. Contractor shall perform its Work so as to maintain the site
          -------                                                              
in a clean, safe and orderly condition. Upon Completion of the Project,
Contractor shall remove from the site all temporary structures, debris and waste
incident to its operation.

     6.8  PERMITS, LICENSES AND FEES. On behalf of Owner, Developer shall secure
          --------------------------                                            
all necessary permits and licenses, including the Building Permit, necessary to
comply with all laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, orders and requirements of
any city, county, state, federal or other public body having jurisdiction as may
be required for the proper execution, performance and completion of the Plans
and Specifications under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Owner,
at its cost, acknowledges and agrees that it shall be responsible for obtaining
any and all Health/Food Permits. Owner shall pay all applicable fees which may
be required by law by any public body for the performance and completion of the
Work under this Agreement.

     6.9  LICENSE. Contractor represents that he is a duly licensed general
          -------                                                          
contractor by the State in which the Project is located, that it shall maintain
said license in good standing during the term of this Agreement. Contractor
further represents that he is experienced and qualified to perform the
construction of the Project in accordance with the Plans and Specifications and
that financial information supplied by Contractor to Owner is assurance and
representative of Contractor's financial condition.

     6.10 BOND. Contractor shall furnish Owner with a payment and performance
          ----
bond issued by a responsible surety company in the amount of the Contract Sum,
indemnifying Owner against the breach of this Agreement by Contractor. Owner
shall pay the normal premium on such approved bond.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE 7
                                 CONTRACT SUM

    Owner agrees to pay Contractor for Work and materials on the Project, as set
out in the Plans and Specifications, in the amounts and on the dates indicated
below.

     7.1  CONTRACT SUM. For the purpose of this Agreement, the "CONTRACT SUM"
          ------------                                                       
shall be equal to the amount set forth in the Fixed Price Agreement, as such
amount is from time to time adjusted by Change Order pursuant to Section 5.4.
Such amount is in addition to the Developer Fee paid to Developer as provided in
this Agreement.

     7.2  BILLINGS. Contractor shall make written application ("BILLING") to
          --------
Owner for payment of a percentage of completion of each appropriate Line Item
during the course of Work upon thirty (30)-day intervals or upon intervals as
specified by Owner ("PROGRESS PAYMENTS"). Owner may have its Construction
Consultant verify the percentage of completion.

                                   ARTICLE 8
                                    PAYMENT

     8.1  PROGRESS PAYMENTS. Owner agrees to make Progress Payments to
          -----------------
Contractor in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

          A.   Upon the Billing of percentages of completion for each Line Item,
Owner shall pay the amount specified in the Billing, less Retention (as
hereinafter defined).

          B.   Contractor shall deliver to Owner an "APPLICATION FOR PAYMENT"
showing the occurrence of the event covered by the Application for Payment.
Amounts claimed by Contractor for completion of Change Orders or any other
additional costs, expenses or contract sums, may be requested at the time of
application for other payments or independently thereto. Said Application for
Payment shall be submitted on a form approved by Owner (and Owner's lender,
where applicable). Materials and equipment not yet incorporated into the Work
but delivered and suitably stored either at the site of the Project or at some
other appropriate location of which Contractor has given Owner written notice
shall be considered partially completed items of Work for purposes of an
Application for Payment, and may be included therein, provided that with respect
to materials and equipment delivered and suitably stored other than at the job
site, Contractor, upon request, will furnish Owner bills of sale or other
documentation satisfactory to establish Owner's title to such materials and
equipment and otherwise to protect Owner's interest therein and Contractor shall
remain responsible for the security of such materials.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
          C.  Within twenty (20) days after Owner's receipt of an Application 
for Payment, Owner shall pay, or cause Owner's lender to pay, to Contractor the
amount requested; provided, however, that if any item on the Application for
Payment is disputed, Contractor shall be notified of such dispute and shall
submit verification of such item or a revised Application for Payment. The
interest on such disputed payment shall accrue for the benefit of the prevailing
party. The non-disputed amount shall be paid immediately.

          D.   Owner shall hold back ten percent (10.00%) of each payment as a 
"RETENTION".  Such Retention shall be paid to Contractor at the completion of 
the Project as provided in this Agreement.

          E.   Should Contractor neglect or refuse to pay amounts owing as set 
forth in Section 8.4 (iii), Owner, after giving five (5) days' written notice to
Contractor of his intention to do so, shall have the right but not the 
obligation to pay any such amount directly.  In such event, said payment shall 
be treated as a Progress Payment made for the benefit of Contractor.

     8.2  FINAL PAYMENT.   Upon Substantial Completion, Owner shall pay the 
          -------------
remaining balance ("FINAL PAYMENT") of the Contract Sum, including Retention to 
the Contractor, less one hundred percent (100.00%) of all amounts specified by 
Owner's Construction Consultant as the estimated cost of completion of Punch 
List work ("PUNCH LIST RETENTION").  Upon the completion of the Punch List work,
the Owner's Construction Consultant shall issue a "CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION".  
Within thirty-five (35) days of the issuance of the Certificate of Completion, 
Owner shall pay to Contractor the Punch List Retention.

     8.3  LIEN RELEASES.   Contractor agrees to furnish in connection with each
          -------------
payment application such statutory lien waiver and release forms as Owner may
request for work, labor, equipment and/or material used in performance of this
Agreement, executed by Contractor and all other individuals, firms and/or
entities performing work and/or furnishing labor, equipment and/or materials
under this Agreement. No payment hereunder shall be made, except at Owner's 
option, until and unless Contractor has submitted all waiver and release forms 
requested by Owner.  Any payment made hereunder prior to completion and 
acceptance of the Work shall not be construed as evidence of acceptance of any 
part of the Work.

     8.4  RIGHT TO WITHHOLD FUNDS.  Owner may withhold, or on account of 
          -----------------------
subsequently discovered evidence nullify, the whole or a part of any payment 
under this Article 8 to such extent as may be necessary to protect Owner from 
loss, including costs and attorneys' fees, resulting from or in connection with 
(i) defective work not remedied; (ii) claims filed or reasonable evidence 
indicating probable filing of a claim or claims; (iii) failure of Contractor to 
make payments properly to or on

                                      -16-
<PAGE>
 
behalf or on account of its subcontractors, agents or employees and/or for
material, equipment and/or union trust fund benefits; (iv) damage to work of
other contractors, subcontractors, agents and/or employees employed by Owner; or
(v) failure of Contractor to provide Certificates of Insurance, indicating
compliance with the provisions of this Agreement.

     8.5  LENDER REQUIREMENTS. Contractor agrees to Comply with the requirements
          -------------------                                  
of Owner's lender with respect to Progress Payments, Retention, Lien Releases
and Applications for payment .

                                   ARTICLE 9
                         TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

     9.1  DEFAULT BY CONTRACTOR. If Contractor at any time (i) refuses or
          ---------------------
neglects to supply a sufficient number of properly skilled workers or a
sufficient quantity of materials of proper quality, (ii) is adjudicated a
bankrupt, files an arrangement proceeding, commits any act of insolvency, or
makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors without Owner's consent, (iii)
fails to make prompt payment to persons furnishing labor, equipment and/or
materials, or to cause the effect of any suit or lien to be removed within ten
(10) days after written demand, (iv) fails in any material respect to properly
and diligently prosecute the Work, (v) becomes delinquent with respect to
contributions or payment required to be made to any employee benefit program or
trust, or (vi) otherwise fails to perform fully and completely all of the
agreements herein contained, Contractor shall be in default. If Contractor fails
to cure the default within five (5) business days after written notice thereof
by Owner, Owner may, at its sole option, (a) remedy such default and deduct the
cost thereof from any money then due or thereafter to become due to Contractor
under this Agreement; or (b) terminate Contractor's right to proceed with the
Work. In the event Owner elects to terminate, Owner shall have the right to
enter upon the premises of the Project and, for the purpose of completing the
Work, take possession of all materials, tools and equipment of Contractor, and
may employ any other person or persons to finish the Work and provide the
materials therefor. In case of such default termination, Contractor shall not
be entitled to receive any further payment under this Agreement until the Work
is completely finished. At that time, if the unpaid balance of the amount to be
paid under this Agreement exceeds the expenses incurred by Owner in finishing
the Work, such excess shall be paid by Owner to Contractor; but, if such expense
shall exceed such unpaid balance, then Contractor shall promptly pay to Owner
the amount by which such expense exceeds such unpaid balance. The expense
referred to in the last sentence shall include expenses incurred by Owner for
furnishing materials, for finishing the Work, for attorneys' fees, and for any
damages sustained by Owner by reason of Contractor's default, plus a markup of
ten percent (10%) general overhead and five percent (5%) profit on any and all
of such expenses; and Owner shall have a lien upon all materials,

                                      -17-
<PAGE>
 
tools and equipment taken possession of, as aforesaid, to secure the payment
thereof.

     9.2   UNFORESEEN GOVERNMENT REGULATION. Notwithstanding anything to the
           --------------------------------
contrary in this Agreement, should the Project be delayed because of
governmental regulation not in existence on the Effective Date, or because of
intervention by a governmental agency, other than those agencies which issue
building permits, for a period of ninety (90) days, Owner shall have a right to
terminate and Contractor shall have a right to reimbursement of all costs and
expenses of construction to the date of termination, less any amounts previously
paid by Owner.

                                  ARTICLE 10
                           MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     10.1  HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. In the event Contractor discovers any toxic
           --------------------                                             
substance or hazardous material, as either of those terms may be defined under
state or federal law, or as defined below, Contractor shall promptly advise
Owner, in writing, of the existence of such condition. For purposes of this
Agreement, "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" shall include, but not be limited to,
substances defined as "hazardous substances", "hazardous materials", "hazardous
waste", "toxic substances", regulations under any federal, state or other
governmental statute, ordinance, rule, regulation or policy.

     10.2  ASSIGNMENT. Contractor shall not without written consent of Owner,
           ----------                                                        
which may be withheld in Owner's sole discretion, assign or transfer
Contractor's rights or obligations under this Agreement. Owner may assign or
transfer the whole or any part of this Agreement and Owner's rights and
obligations hereunder, to any corporation, individual or partnership selected by
Owner. Upon the effective date of such assignment by Owner, Owner shall be
entirely released from any and all obligations set forth in this Agreement that
may arise following such effective date, and Owner's assignee shall thereafter
be fully responsible for complying with such obligations. In the event that,
following the date of Owner's assignment of its rights and obligations set forth
in this Agreement, Owner's assignee defaults in the performance of any of its
obligations set forth herein, Contractor agrees that Owner shall have no
liability as a result of such default and Contractor shall look solely to
Owner's assignee for any of Contractor's available legal and/or equitable
remedies.

     10.3  PARTIES IN INTEREST. There are no third party beneficiaries of this
           -------------------                                                
Agreement. None of the provisions of this Agreement or of any other document
relating hereto is intended to provide any rights or remedies to any person or
entity (including, without limitation, any employees, creditors, or
subcontractors of the parties) other than the parties hereto and their
respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns, if any. Specifically, this
agreement shall not be construed to create any

                                      -18-
<PAGE>
 
contractual relationship between Contractor and engineer, or between Owner and
engineer or Owner and any subcontractor.

     10.4  ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and all exhibits attached hereto
           ----------------                                                 
contain all of the covenants, conditions and agreements between the Parties and
shall supersede all prior correspondence, agreements and understandings, both
verbal and written relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.

     10.5  ATTORNEYS' FEES. In the event of any legal or equitable proceeding
           ---------------                                                   
for enforcement of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement, or any
alleged disputes, breaches, defaults or misrepresentations in connection with
any provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party in such action, or the
non-dismissing party where the dismissal occurs other than by reason of a
settlement, shall be entitled to recover its reasonable costs and expenses,
including, without limitation court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees and
costs of defense paid or incurred in good faith.

     10.6  ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES. All claims, disputes and other matters in
           -----------------------                                           
question between the parties to this Agreement arising out of or relating to
this Agreement or the breach thereof, shall be decided by mandatory and binding
arbitration in accordance with the construction industry rules of the American
Arbitration Association ("AAA") currently in effect unless the parties mutually
agree otherwise. The following procedures shall apply:

           A.  Demand for arbitration shall be filed in writing with the other
party to this Agreement and with the AAA. A demand for arbitration shall be made
within a reasonable time after the claim, dispute or other matter in question
has arisen. In no event shall the demand for arbitration be made after the date
when institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such claim, dispute
or other matter in question would be barred by the applicable statute of
limitations.

           B.  In the event that any party to this Agreement becomes a party to
an arbitration under rules of the AAA with a third party relating to the
Project, each party to this Agreement agrees to become joined as a party to and
bound by said arbitration on the demand of any party to said arbitration. The
parties hereto agree that all agreements relating to the Project with the
Architect, contractors, subcontractors, materialmen and other parties providing
work, services, material or equipment shall provide for arbitration under the
AAA rules, joinder and arbitration provisions in agreements with third parties,
all substantially as set forth in this Section 10.6.

           C.  The award rendered by the arbitrator or arbitrators shall be
final, and judgment may be entered upon it in accordance with applicable law in
any court having jurisdiction thereof.

                                      -19-
<PAGE>
 
           D.  Each party to the arbitration shall pay its own filing fees, AAA
costs and share of arbitrator compensation. Arbitration compensation shall be
borne equally by the parties to the arbitration. The prevailing party or parties
shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party or parties all
attorneys' fees and costs, including fees and costs for legal assistants and
expert witnesses, and including all fees and costs incurred relative to any
challenge or appeal of the arbitration award, or confirmation by a court of law.
The arbitrator or arbitrators shall specify in the award which party or parties
prevailed and include in the amount of the award attorneys' fees and costs
assessed.

          E.  NOTICE: BY INITIALING IN THE SPACE BELOW YOU ARE AGREEING TO HAVE
ANY DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF THE MATTERS INCLUDED IN THE "ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES"
PROVISION DECIDED BY NEUTRAL ARBITRATION AS PROVIDED BY CALIFORNIA LAW AND YOU
ARE GIVING UP YOUR JUDICIAL RIGHTS TO DISCOVERY AND APPEAL, UNLESS THOSE RIGHTS
ARE SPECIFICALLY INCLUDED IN THE "ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES" PROVISION. IF YOU
REFUSE TO SUBMIT TO ARBITRATION AFTER AGREEING TO THIS PROVISION, YOU MAY BE
COMPELLED TO ARBITRATE UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL
PROCEDURE. YOUR AGREEMENT TO THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION IS VOLUNTARY.

          "WE HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE FOREGOING AND AGREE TO SUBMIT
DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF THE MATTERS INCLUDED IN THE "ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES"
PROVISION TO NEUTRAL ARBITRATION."

          Owner: __________________    Contractor: /s/  SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE   
                                                   -----------------------------

          F.   While any such arbitration is pending, Contractor shall continue
to perform under the terms and conditions of this Agreement unless the
arbitration involves, nonpayment of Contract Sums when due.

     10.7  AUTHORITY. Each person executing this Agreement on behalf of a Party
           ---------                                         
to this Agreement hereby represents and warrants that he or she has authority to
execute this Agreement on behalf of a Party.

     10.8  AMENDMENT. The provisions of this Agreement may be modified in
           ---------
writing at any time by agreement of the Parties. Any such agreement hereafter
made shall be ineffective to modify this Agreement in any respect unless in
writing and signed by the parties against whom enforcement of the modification
or discharge is sought.

     10.9  WAIVER. Any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement may be
           ------                                                          
waived at any time, in writing, by the Party entitled to the benefit thereof,
but no such waiver shall affect or impair the rights of a waiving Party to
require observance, performance, or satisfaction either of that term or
condition as it applies on a subsequent occasion or of any other term or
condition hereof.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>
 
     10.10     CAPTIONS. All paragraph captions are for reference only and shall
               --------                                                         
not be considered in construing this Agreement.

     10.11     SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement is declared
               ------------                                                
illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, then such portion or
provision shall be deemed to be severable from this Agreement as to such
jurisdiction (but, to the extent permitted by law, not elsewhere) and in any
event such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the
remainder hereof, unless such provision is held to be a material provision or
otherwise goes to the essence of the Agreement.

     10.12     NOTICES. All notices required to be given pursuant to the terms
               -------                                                        
hereof shall be in writing and either delivered by hand delivery, facsimile
machine, or deposited in the United States mail first-class, postage prepaid or
with a commercial overnight courier service, and addressed as follows:

     TO OWNER:           Swiss American Sausage Co.
                         35 Williams Avenue
                         San Francisco, California 94124
                         Attention:  Theodore L. Arena, President

     WITH COPY TO:       Provena Foods Inc.
                         5010 Eucalyptus Avenue
                         Chino, California 91710
                         Attention:  Thomas J. Malroney, CFO

     TO CONTRACTOR:      A.P. Thomas Construction, Inc.
                         10293 Rockingham Drive, Suite 101
                         Sacramento, California

     TO DEVELOPER:       Panattoni Development Company
                         3620 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Suite 150
                         Sacramento, California 95864

     Notices shall be deemed delivered upon actual receipt of such notices or
the refusal to accept delivery of such notices. The foregoing addresses may be
changed by written notice to the other Party as provided herein.

     10.13     EXHIBITS. All Exhibits attached hereto are made a part hereof and
               --------                                                         
incorporated herein by reference thereto.

     10.14     TIME. Time is of the essence of every provision herein contained.
               ----                                                             

     10.15     GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement is executed and intended to be
               -------------                                               
performed in the State in which the Project is located, and the laws of that
State shall govern its interpretation and effect, without regard to the
principles of conflicts of laws.

                                      -21-
<PAGE>
 
     10.16     DRAFTING; EXHIBITS. The drafting and negotiation of this
               ------------------
Agreement and all exhibits have been participated in by each of the Parties, and
for all purposes this Agreement and exhibits shall be deemed to be drafted
jointly by each of the Parties. Accordingly, no interpretation will be applied
construing any party as the drafting Party. All exhibits referred to herein,
whether or not actually attached are fully incorporated by reference as though
set forth at length herein.

     10.17     INTERPRETATION OF AGREEMENT, PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS. The
               -----------------------------------------------------
Agreement and Plans and Specification are intended to supplement one another. In
case of conflict, however, the Specifications shall control the Plans, and the
provisions of this Agreement shall control both. In the event that the Work is
displayed on the Plans but not called for in the Specifications, or in the event
the Work is called for in the Specifications but not displayed on the Plans,
Contractor shall be required to perform the Work as though it were called for
and displayed in both places.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed one or more copies of
this Agreement the day and year first above written.

OWNER:                                  CONTRACTOR:

SWISS AMERICAN SAUSAGE CO.,             A.P. THOMAS CONSTRUCTION, INC., 
DIVISION OF PROVENA FOODS INC.,         a California Corporation 
a corporation organized under
the laws of the State of
California                              By: /s/  SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE   
                                            ---------------------------------
    
                                        Its: President
                                             --------------------------------

                                        Date: 7/2/98
                                              -------------------------------
By:_____________________________              
                              
Its:____________________________

Date:___________________________

DEVELOPER:

CATLIN PROPERTIES, INC., a
California corporation


By: /s/   SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE   
    ----------------------------
Its: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
     --------------------------- 
Date:  6/25/98
      -------------------------- 

                                      -22-
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A

                            DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
                            ----------------------

Lot 3 of TRACT NO. 2208 CROSSROADS COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL PARK UNIT NO. 1, in the
County of San Joaquin, State of California, as per Map thereof recorded in Book
31 of Maps, Page 70, San Joaquin County Records.

<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT B

                                     WORK

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT C

                              CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

                                      -1-   

<PAGE>
 
[LETTRHEAD OF COMERICA]

                             MASTER REVOLVING NOTE

Variable Rate-Demand Obligatory Advances (Business and Commercial Loans Only) 


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMOUNT             NOTE DATE          MATURITY DATE      TAX IDENTIFICATION # 

$2,000,000.00      July 14, 1998            ON DEMAND    95-2782215        
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Value Received, the undersigned promise(s) to pay ON DEMAND to the order of
Comerica Bank-California ("Bank"), at any office of the Bank in the State of 
- ------------------------
California, Two Million and no/100
            --------------------------------------------------------------------
Dollars (U.S.) (or that portion of it advanced by the Bank and not repaid as
later provided) with interest until demand or an Event of Default, as later
defined, at a per annum rate equal to the Bank's base rate from time to time in
effect minus ** 0.250 % per annum [Initial Here -- /s/ TM ]and after that at a
       ----- --------
rate equal to the rate of interest otherwise prevailing under this Note plus 3%
per annum (but in no event in excess of the maximum rate permitted by law).
The Bank's "base rate" is that annual rate of interest so designated by the Bank
and which is changed by the Bank from time to time. Interest rate changes will
be effective for interest computation purposes as and when the Bank's base rate
changes. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the
actual number of days the principal is outstanding. Unless sooner demanded,
accrued interest on this Note shall be payable on the 14th day of each
                                                      --------
MONTH                 commencing August 14, 1998           . If the frequency
- --------------------             --------------------------   
of interest payments is not otherwise specified, accrued interest on this Note
shall be payable monthly on the first day of each month, unless sooner demanded.
If any payment of principal or interest under this Note shall be payable on a 
day other than a day on which the Bank is open for business, this payment shall
be extended to the next succeeding business day and interest shall be payable
at the rate specified in this Note during this extension. A late payment charge
equal to 5% each late payment may be charged on any payment not received by the
Bank within 10 calendar days after the payment due date, but acceptance of 
payment of this charge shall not waive any Default under this Note.
[INITIAL HERE /S/ TM **  SEE ADDENDUM ATTACHED FOR RATE OPTION]

The principal amount payable under this Note shall be the sum of all 
advances made by the Bank to or at the request of the undersigned, less 
principal payments actually received in cash by the Bank. The books and records
of the Bank shall be the best evidence of the principal amount and the unpaid
interest amount owing at any time under this Note and shall be conclusive absent
manifest error. No interest shall accrue under this Note until the date of the 
first advance made by the Bank; after that interest on all advances shall accrue
and be computed on the principal balance outstanding from time to time under
this Note until the same is paid in full.

This Note and any other indebtedness and liabilities of any kind of the
undersigned (or any of them) to the Bank, and any and all modifications,
renewals or extensions of it, whether joint or several, contingent or absolute,
now existing or later arising, and however evidenced (collectively
"indebtedness") are secured by and the Bank is granted a security interest in
all items deposited in any account of any of the undersigned with the Bank and
by all proceeds of these items (cash or otherwise), all account balances of any
of the undersigned from time to time with the Bank, by all property of any of
the undersigned from time to time in the possession of the Bank and by any other
collateral, rights and properties described in each and every deed of trust,
mortgage, security agreement, pledge, assignment and other security or
collateral agreement which has been, or will at any time(s) later be, executed
by any (or all) of the undersigned to or for the benefit of the Bank
(collectively "Collateral"). Notwithstanding the above, (i) to the extent that
any portion of the indebtedness is a consumer loan, that portion shall not be
secured by any deed of trust or mortgage on or other security interest in any of
the undersigned's principal dwelling or any of the undersigned's real property
which is not a purchase money security interest as to that portion, unless
expressly provided to the contrary in another place, or (ii) if the undersigned
(or any of them) has(have) given or give(s) Bank a deed of trust or mortgage
covering real property, that deed of trust or mortgage shall not secure this
Note or any other indebtedness of the undersigned (or any of them), unless
expressly provided to the contrary in another place.

If the undersigned (or any of them) or any guarantor under a guaranty of all
or part of the indebtedness ("guarantor") (i) fall(s) to pay any of the 
indebtedness when due, by maturity, acceleration or otherwise, or fail(s) to pay
any indebtedness owing on a demand basis upon demand; or (ii) fail(s) to comply
with any of the terms or provisions of any agreement between the undersigned (or
any of them) or any such guarantor and the Bank; or (iii) become(s) insolvent
or the subject of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding in bankruptcy, or a 
reorganization, arrangement or creditor composition proceeding, (if a business
entity) cease(s) doing business as a going concern, (if a natural person) 
die(s) or become(s) incompetent, (if a partnership) dissolve(s) or any general 
partner of it dies, becomes incompetent or becomes the subject of a bankruptcy 
proceeding or (if a corporation or a limited liability company) is the subject
of a dissolution, merger or consolidation; or (a) if any warranty or 
representation made by any of the undersigned or any guarantor in connection 
with this Note or any of the indebtedness shall be discovered to be untrue or 
incomplete; or (b) if there is any termination, notice of termination, or breach
of any guaranty, pledge, collateral assignment or subordination agreement 
relating to all or any part of the indebtedness; or (c) if there is any failure 
by any of the undersigned or any guarantor to pay when due any of its 
indebtedness (other than to the Bank) or in the observance or performance of any
term, covenant or condition in any document evidencing, securing or relating to 
such indebtedness; or (d) if the Bank deems itself insecure believing that the 
prospect of payment of this Note or any of the indebtedness is impaired or shall
fear deterioration, removal or waste of any of the Collateral; or (e) if there 
is filed or issued a levy or writ of attachment or garnishment or other like
judicial process upon the undersigned (or any of them) or any guarantor or
any of the Collateral, including without limit, any accounts of the undersigned 
(or any of them) or any guarantor with the Bank, then the Bank, upon the 
occurrence of any of these events (each a "Default"), may at its option and 
without prior notice to the undersigned (or any of them), declare any or all
of the indebtedness to be immediately due and payable (notwithstanding any 
provisions contained in the evidence of it to the contrary), sell or liquidate 
all or any portion of the Collateral, set off against the indebtedness any 
amounts owing by the Bank to the undersigned (or any of them), charge interest 
at the default rate provided in the document evidencing the relevant 
indebtedness and exercise any one or more of the rights and remedies granted to 
the Bank by any agreement with the undersigned (or any of them) or given to it 
under applicable law. In addition, if this Note is secured by a deed of trust 
or mortgage covering real property, then the trustor or mortgagor shall not
mortgage or pledge the mortgaged premises as security for any other indebtedness
or obligations. This Note, together with all other indebtedness secured by said
deed of trust or mortgage, shall become due and payable immediately, without 
notice, at the option of the Bank, (a) if said trustor or mortgagor shall 
mortgage or pledge the mortgaged premises for any other indebtedness or 
obligations or shall convey, assign or transfer the mortgaged premises by deed,
installment sale contract or other instrument, or (b) if the title to the 
mortgaged premises shall become vested in any other person or party in any 
manner whatsoever, or (c) if there is any disposition (through one or more 
transactions) or legal or beneficial title to a controlling interest of said 
trustor or mortgagor.

The undersigned acknowledge(s) that this Note matures upon issuance, and that
the Bank, at any time, without notice, and without reason, may demand that this
Note be immediately paid in full. The demand nature of this Note shall not be
deemed modified by reference to a Default in this Note or in any agreement to a
default by the undersigned or to the occurrence of an event of default
(collectively an "Event of Default"). For purposes of this Note, to the extent
there is reference to an Event of Default this reference is for the purpose of
permitting the Bank to accelerate indebtedness not on a demand basis and to
receive interest at the default rate provided in the document evidencing the
relevant indebtedness. It is expressly agreed that the Bank may exercise its
demand rights under this Note whether or not an Event of Default has occurred.
The Bank, with or without reason and without notice, may from time to time make
demand or partial payments under this Note and these demands shall not preclude
the Bank from demanding at any time that this Note be immediately paid in full.
All payments under this note shall be in immediately available United States
funds, without setoff or counterclaim.

If this note is signed by two or more parties (whether by all as makers or by
one or more as an accommodation party or otherwise), the obligations and
undertakings under this Note shall be that of all and any two or more jointly
and also of each severally. This Note shall bind the undersigned, and the
undersigned's respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and
assigns.


       
       

<PAGE>
 
The undersigned waive(s) presentment, demand, protest; notice of dishonor,
notice of demand or intent to demand, notice of acceleration or intent to
accelerate, and all other notices and agree(s) that no extension or indulgence
to the undersigned (or any of them) or release, substitution or nonenforcement
of any security, or release or substitution of any of the undersigned, any
guarantor or any other party, whether with or without notice, shall affect the
obligations of any of the undersigned. The undersigned waive(s) all defenses or
right to discharge available under Section 3-605 of the California Uniform
Commercial Code and waive(s) all other suretyship defenses or right to
discharge. The undersigned agree(s) that the Bank has the right to sell, assign,
or grant participations, or any interest, in any or all of the Indebtedness, and
that, in connection with this right, but without limiting its ability to make
other disclosures to the full extent allowable, the Bank may disclose all
documents and information which the Bank now or later has relating to the
undersigned or the Indebtedness. The undersigned agree(s) that the Bank may
provide information relating to the Note or to the undersigned to the Bank's
parent, affiliates, subsidiaries and service providers.

The undersigned agree(s) to reimburse the holder or owner of this Note for any 
and all costs and expenses (including without limit, court costs, legal expenses
and reasonable attorney fees, whether inside or outside counsel is used, whether
or not suit is instituted and, if suit is instituted, whether at the trial court
level, appellate level, in a bankruptcy, probate or administrative proceeding or
otherwise) incurred in collecting or attempting to collect this Note or incurred
in any other matter or proceeding relating to this Note.

The undersigned acknowledge(s) and agree(s) that there are no contrary 
agreements, oral or written, establishing a term of this Note and agree(s) that
the terms and conditions of this Note may not be amended, waived or modified
except in a writing signed by an officer of the Bank expressly stating that
the writing constitutes an amendment, waiver or modification of the terms of
this Note. As used in this Note, the word "undersigned" means, individually and
collectively, each maker, accommodation party, indorser and other party signing
this Note in a similar capacity. If any provision of this Note is unenforceable
in whole or part for any reason, the remaining provisions shall continue to be
effective. THIS NOTE IS MADE IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY
AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.

The maximum interest rate shall not exceed the highest applicable usury ceiling.

THE UNDERSIGNED AND THE BANK ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IS A
CONSTITUTIONAL ONE, BUT THAT IT MAY BE WAIVED. EACH PARTY, AFTER CONSULTING (OR
HAVING HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT) WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR CHOICE, KNOWINGLY
AND VOLUNTARILY, AND FOR THEIR MUTUAL BENEFIT, WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY
IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION REGARDING THE PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT OF, OR IN
ANY WAY RELATED TO, THIS NOTE OR THE INDEBTEDNESS.

THIS NOTE IS CROSS DEFAULTED TO ALL PRESENT AND FUTURE INDEBTEDNESS OF 
BORROWER.

Provena Foods, Inc.

By: /s/ Illegible Signature       Its:    CEO
   --------------------------------------------------------
     SIGNATURE OF                     TITLE


By: /s/ Illegible Signaure        Its:    Chairman
   --------------------------------------------------------
     SIGNATURE OF                     TITLE


By: /s/ Illegible Signature       Its:    CFO
   --------------------------------------------------------
     SIGNATURE OF                     TITLE


By: 
   --------------------------------------------------------
     SIGNATURE OF                  TITLE




<TABLE> 
<S>                                            <C>                     <C>                     <C>                      <C> 
5010 Eucalyptus Avenue                         Chino                   California              USA                      91710
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STREET ADDRESS                                 CITY                     STATE                  COUNTRY                  ZIP CODE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    For Bank Use Only           CCAR#
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<S>                      <C>                     <C> 
Loan Officer Initials    Loan Group Name         Obligor(s) Name Provena Foods Inc.
MA                       San Jose Metro II
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Officer I.D. No.    Loan Group No.          Obligor #                       Note #                 Amount
48132                    95938                                                                          $2,000,000.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
[Letterhead of Comerica]
                Security Agreement 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As --- July 14, 1998, for value received, the undersigned ("Debtor") grants to 
       -------------
Comerica Bank-California ("Bank"), a California banking corporation, a 
- ------------------------             ----------
continuing security interest in the Collateral (as defined below) to secure 
payment when due, whether by stated maturity, demand acceleration or otherwise, 
of all existing and future indebtedness ("Indebtedness") to the Bank of Provena 
                                                                        -------
Foods Inc. ("Borrower") and/or Debtor. Indebtedness includes without limit any 
- ----------
and all obligations or liabilities of the Borrower and/or Debtor to the Bank,
whether absolute or contingent, direct or indirect, voluntary or involuntary,
liquidated or unliquidated, joint or several, known or unknown; any and all
obligations or liabilities for which the Borrower and/or Debtor would otherwise
be liable to the Bank were it not for the invalidity or unenforceability of them
by reason of any bankruptcy, insolvency or other law, or for any other reason;
any and all amendments, modifications, renewals and/or extensions of any of the
above; all costs incurred by Bank in establishing, determining, continuing, or
defending the validity or priority of its security interest, or in pursuing its
rights and remedies under this Agreement or under any other agreement between
Bank and Borrower and/or Debtor or in connection with any proceeding involving
Bank as a result of any financial accommodation to Borrower and/or Debtor; and
all other costs of collecting Indebtedness, including without limit attorney
fees. Debtor agrees to pay Bank all such costs incurred by the Bank, immediately
upon demand, and until paid all costs shall bear interest at the highest per
annum rate applicable to any of the Indebtedness, but not in excess of the
maximum rate permitted by law. Any reference in this Agreement to attorney fees
shall be deemed a reference to reasonable fees, costs, and expenses of both in-
house and outside counsel and paralegals, whether or not a suit or action is
instituted and to court costs if a suit or action is instituted, and whether
attorney fees or court costs are incurred at the trial court level, on appeal,
in a bankruptcy, administrative or probate proceeding or otherwise.

1. Collateral shall mean all of the following property Debtor now or later owns 
   or has an interest in, wherever located:

   . all Accounts Receivable (for purposes of this Agreement, "Accounts
     Receivable" consists of all accounts, general intangibles, chattel paper,
     contract rights, deposit accounts, documents and instruments),

   . all Inventory, 

   . all Equipment and Fixtures,

   . specific items listed below and/or on attached Schedule A, if any, is/are 
     also included in Collateral:

   . all goods, instruments, documents, policies and certificates of insurance,
     deposits, money or other property (except real property which is not a
     fixture) which are now or later in possession of Bank, or as to which Bank
     now or later controls possession by documents or otherwise, and

   . all additions, attachments, accessions, parts, replacements, substitutions,
     renewals, interest, dividends, distributions, rights of any kind (including
     but not limited to stock splits, stock rights, voting and preferential
     rights), products, and proceeds of or pertaining to the above including,
     without limit, cash or other property which were proceeds and are recovered
     by a bankruptcy trustee or otherwise as a preferential transfer by Debtor.

Warranties, Covenants and Agreements. Debtor warrants, covenants and agrees as 
follows:

2.1  Debtor shall furnish to Bank, in form and at intervals as Bank may request,
     any information Bank may reasonably request and allow Bank to examine,
     inspect, and copy any of Debtor's books and records. Debtor shall, at the
     request of Bank, mark its records and the Collateral to clearly indicate
     the security interest of Bank under this Agreement.

2.2  At the time any Collateral becomes, or is represented to be, subject to a
     security interest in favor of Bank, Debtor shall be deemed to have
     warranted that (a) Debtor is the lawful owner of the Collateral and has the
     right and authority to subject it to a security interest granted to Bank;
     (b) none of the Collateral is subject to any security interest other than
     that in favor of Bank and there are no financing statements on file, other
     than in favor of Bank; and (c) Debtor acquired its rights in the Collateral
     in the ordinary course of its business.

2.3  Debtor will keep the Collateral free at all times from all claims, liens,
     security interests and encumbrances other than those in favor of Bank.
     Debtor will not, without the prior written consent of Bank, sell, transfer
     or lease, or permit to be sold, transferred or leased, any or all of the
     Collateral, except (where Inventory is pledged as Collateral) for Inventory
     in the ordinary course of its business and will not return any Inventory to
     its supplier. Bank or its representatives may at all reasonable times
     inspect the Collateral and may enter upon all premises where the Collateral
     is kept or might be located.

2.4  Debtor will do all acts and will execute or cause to be executed all
     writings requested by Bank to establish, maintain and continue a perfected
     and first security interest of Bank in the Collateral. Debtor agrees that
     Bank has no obligation to acquire or perfect any lien on or security
     interest in any asset(s), whether realty or personalty, to secure payment
     of the Indebtedness, and Debtor is not relying upon assets in which the
     Bank may have a lien or security interest for payment of the Indebtedness.

2.5  Debtor will pay within the time that they can be paid without interest or
     penalty all taxes, assessments and similar charges which at any time are or
     may become a lien, charge, or encumbrance upon any Collateral, except to
     the extent contested in good faith and bonded in a manner satisfactory to
     Bank. If Debtor fails to pay any of these taxes, assessments, or other
     charges in the time provided above, Bank has the option (but not the
     obligation) to do so and Debtor agrees to repay all amounts so expended by
     Bank immediately upon demand, together with interest at the highest lawful
     default rate which could be charged by Bank on any Indebtedness.

2.6  Debtor will keep the Collateral in good condition and will protect it from
     loss, damage, or deterioration from any cause. Debtor has and will maintain
     at all times (a) with respect to the Collateral, insurance under an "all
     risk" policy against fire and other risks customarily insured against, and
     (b) public liability insurance and other insurance as may be required by
     law or reasonably required by Bank, all of which insurance shall be in
     amount, form and content, and written by companies as may be satisfactory
     to Bank, containing a lender's loss payable endorsement acceptable to Bank.
     Debtor will deliver to Bank immediately upon demand evidence satisfactory
     to Bank that the required insurance has been procured. If Debtor fails to
     maintain satisfactory insurance, Bank has the option (but not the
     obligation) to do so and Debtor agrees to repay all amounts so expended by
     Bank immediately upon demand, together with interest at the highest lawful
     default rate which could be charged by Bank on any Indebtedness.

2.7  If Accounts Receivable are pledged as Collateral under this Agreement, then
     on each occasion on which Debtor evidences to Bank the account balances on
     and the nature and extent of the Accounts Receivable, Debtor shall be
     deemed to have warranted that except as otherwise indicated (a) each of
     those Accounts Receivable is valid and enforceable without performance by
     Debtor of any act; (b) each of those account balances are in fact owing,
     (c) there are no setoffs, recoupments, credits, contra accounts,
     counterclaims or defenses against any of those Accounts Receivable, (d) as
     to any Accounts Receivable represented by a note, trade acceptance, draft
     or other instrument or by any chattel paper or document, the same have been
     endorsed and/or delivered by Debtor to Bank, (e) Debtor has not received
     with respect to any Account Receivable, any notice of the death of the
     related account debtor, nor of the dissolution, liquidation, termination of
     existence, insolvency, business failure, appointment of a receiver for,
     assignment for the benefit of creditors by, or filing of a petition in
     bankruptcy by or against, the account debtor, and (f) as to each Account
     Receivable, the account debtor is not an affiliate of Debtor, the United
     States of America or any department, agency or instrumentality of it, or a
     citizen or resident of any jurisdiction outside of the United States.
     Debtor will do all acts and will execute all writings
<PAGE>
 
          requested by Bank to perform, enforce performance of, and collect all
          Accounts Receivable. Debtor shall neither make nor permit any
          modification, compromise or substitution for any Account Receivable
          without the prior written consent of the Bank. Debtor shall, at Bank's
          request, arrange for verification of Accounts Receivable directly with
          account debtors or by other methods acceptable to Bank.

     2.8  Debtor at all times shall be in strict compliance with all applicable
          laws, including without limit any laws, ordinances, directives,
          orders, statutes, or regulations an object of which is to regulate or
          improve health, safety, or the environment ("Environmental Laws").

     2.9  If marketable securities are pledged as Collateral under this 
          Agreement and if at any time the outstanding principal balance of the 
          Indebtedness exceeds          N/A         of the value of the
                               --------------------
          Collateral, as such value is determined from time to time by Bank
          (herein called the "Margin Requirement"), Debtor shall immediately pay
          or cause to be paid to Bank an amount sufficient to reduce the
          Indebtedness such that the remaining principal outstanding thereunder
          is equal to or less than the Margin Requirement. Bank shall apply
          payments made under this paragraph in payment of the Indebtedness in
          such order and manner of application as Bank in its sole discretion
          elects. In the alternative, Debtor may provide or cause to be provided
          to Bank additional collateral in the form of cash or other property
          acceptable to Bank and with a value, as determined by Bank, that when
          added to the Collateral will constitute compliance with the Margin
          Requirement.

     2.10 If Bank, acting in its sole discretion, redelivers Collateral to
          Debtor or Debtor's designee for the purpose of (a) the ultimate sale
          or exchange thereof; or (b) presentation, collection, renewal, or
          registration of transfer thereof; or (c) loading, unloading, storing,
          shipping, transshipping, manufacturing, processing or otherwise
          dealing with it preliminary to sale or exchange; such redelivery shall
          be in trust for the benefit of Bank and shall not constitute a release
          of Bank's security interest in it or in the proceeds or products of it
          unless Bank specifically so agrees in writing. If Debtor requests any
          such redelivery, Debtor will deliver with such request a duly executed
          financing statement in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank.
          Any proceeds of Collateral coming into Debtor's possession as a result
          of any such redelivery shall be held in trust for Bank and immediately
          delivered to Bank for application on the Indebtedness. Bank may (in
          its sole discretion) deliver any or all of the Collateral to Debtor,
          and such delivery by Bank shall discharge Bank from all liability or
          responsibility for such Collateral. Bank, at its option, may require
          delivery of any Collateral to Bank at any time with such endorsements
          or assignments of the Collateral as Bank may request.
     
     2.11 At any time without notice, Bank may, as to Collateral other than
          Equipment, Fixtures or Inventory, (a) cause any or all of such
          Collateral to be transferred to its name or to the name of its
          nominees; (b) receive or collect by legal proceedings or otherwise all
          dividends, interest, principal payments and other sums and all other
          distributions at any time payable or receivable on account of such
          Collateral, and hold the same as Collateral, or apply the same to the
          Indebtedness, the manner and distribution of the application to be in
          the sole discretion of Bank; (c) enter into any extension,
          subordination, reorganization, deposit, merger or consolidation
          agreement or any other agreement relating to or affecting such
          Collateral, and deposit or surrender control of such Collateral, and
          accept other property in exchange for such Collateral and hold or
          apply the property or money so received pursuant to this Agreement.

     2.12 Bank may assign any of the Indebtedness and deliver any or all of the
          Collateral to its assignee, who then shall have with respect to
          Collateral so delivered all the rights and powers of the Bank under
          this Agreement, and after that Bank shall be fully discharged from all
          liability and responsibility with respect to Collateral so delivered.

     2.13 Debtor delivers this Agreement based solely on Debtor's independent
          investigation of (or decision not to investigate) the financial
          condition of Borrower and is not relying upon any information
          furnished by Bank. Debtor assumes full responsibility for obtaining
          any further information concerning the Borrower's financial condition,
          the status of the Indebtedness or any other matter which the
          undersigned may deem necessary or appropriate now or later. Debtor
          waives any duty on the part of Bank, and agrees that Debtor is not
          relying upon or expecting Bank to disclose to Debtor any fact now or
          later known by Bank, whether relating to the operations or condition
          of Borrower, the existence, liabilities or financial condition of any
          guarantor of the Indebtedness, the occurrence of any default with
          respect to the Indebtedness, or otherwise, not withstanding any effect
          such fact may have upon Debtor's risk or Debtor's rights against
          Borrower. Debtor knowingly accepts the full range of risk encompassed
          in this Agreement, which risk includes without limit the possibility
          that Borrower may incur Indebtedness to Bank after the financial
          condition of Borrower, or Borrower's ability to pay debts as they
          mature, has deteriorated.

     2.14 Debtor shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Bank, its employees,
          agents, shareholders, affiliates, officers, and directors from and
          against any and all claims, damages, fines, expenses, liabilities or
          causes of action of whatever kind, including without limit consultant
          fees, legal expenses, and attorney fees, suffered by any of them as a
          direct or indirect result of any actual or asserted violation of any
          law, including without limit, Environmental Laws, or of any
          remediation relating to any property required by any law, including
          without limit Environmental Laws.

3.   Collection of Proceeds.

     3.1  Debtor agrees to collect and enforce payment of all Collateral until
          Bank shall direct Debtor to the contrary. Immediately upon notice to
          Debtor by Bank and at all times after that, Debtor agrees to fully and
          promptly cooperate and assist Bank in the collection and enforcement
          of all Collateral and to hold in trust for Bank all payments received
          in connection with Collateral and from the sale, lease or other
          disposition of any Collateral, all rights by way of suretyship or
          guaranty and all rights in the nature of a lien or security interest
          which Debtor now or later has regarding Collateral. Immediately upon
          and after such notice, Debtor agrees to (a) endorse to Bank and
          immediately deliver to Bank all payments received on Collateral or
          from the sale, lease or other disposition of any Collateral or arising
          from any other rights or interests of Debtor in the Collateral, in the
          form received by Debtor without commingling with any other funds, and
          (b) immediately deliver to Bank all property in Debtor's possession or
          later coming into Debtor's possession through enforcement of Debtor's
          rights or interests in the Collateral. Debtor irrevocably authorizes
          Bank or any Bank employee or agent to endorse the name of Debtor upon
          any checks or other items which are received in payment for any
          Collateral, and to do any and all things necessary in order to reduce
          these items to money. Bank shall have no duty as to the collection or
          protection of Collateral or the proceeds of it, nor as to the
          preservation of any related rights, beyond the use of reasonable care
          in the custody and preservation of Collateral in the possession of
          Bank. Debtor agrees to take all steps necessary to preserve rights
          against prior parties with respect to the Collateral. Nothing in this
          Section 3.1 shall be deemed a consent by Bank to any sale, lease or
          other disposition of any Collateral.

     3.2  If Accounts Receivable are pledged as Collateral, this Section 3.2
          shall be applicable and Debtor agrees that immediately upon Bank's
          request (whether or not any Event of Default exists) the indebtedness
          shall be on a "remittance basis" as follows: Debtor shall at its sole
          expense establish and maintain (and Bank, at Bank's option, may
          establish and maintain at Debtor's expense): (a) an United States Post
          Office lock box (the "Lock Box"), to which Bank shall have exclusive
          access and control. Debtor expressly authorizes Bank, from time to
          time, to remove contents from the Lock Box, for disposition in
          accordance with this Agreement. Debtor agrees to notify all account
          debtors and other parties obligated to Debtor that all payments made
          to Debtor (other than payments by electronic funds transfer) shall be
          remitted, for the credit of Debtor, to the Lock Box, and Debtor shall
          include a like statement on all invoices; and (b) a non-interest
          bearing deposit account with Bank which shall be titled as designated
          by Bank (the "Cash Collateral Account") to which Bank shall have
          exclusive access and control. Debtor agrees to notify all account
          debtors and other parties obligated to Debtor that all payments made
          to Debtor by electronic funds transfer shall be remitted to the Cash
          Collateral Account, and Debtor, at Bank's request, shall include a
          like statement on all invoices. Debtor shall execute all documents and
          authorizations as required by Bank to establish and maintain the Lock
          Box and the Cash Collateral Account.

     3.3  If Accounts Receivable are pledged as Collateral, this Section 3.3
          shall be applicable, and all items or amounts which are remitted to
          the Lock Box, to the Cash Collateral Account, or otherwise delivered
          by or for the benefit of Debtor to Bank on account of partial or full
          payment of, or with respect to, any Collateral shall, at Bank's
          option, (i) be applied to the payment of the Indebtedness, whether
          then due or not, in such order or at such time





 







<PAGE>
 
           of application as Bank may determine in its sole discretion, or, (ii)
           be deposited to the Cash Collateral Account. Debtor agrees that Bank
           shall not be liable for any loss or damage which Debtor may suffer as
           a result of Bank's processing of items or its exercise of any other
           rights or remedies under this Agreement, including without limitation
           indirect, special or consequential damages, loss of revenues or
           profits, or any claim, demand or action by any third party arising
           out of or in connection with the processing of items or the exercise
           of any other rights or remedies under this Agreement. Debtor agrees
           to indemnify and hold Bank harmless from and against all such third
           party claims, demands or actions, and all related expenses or
           liabilities, including, without limitation, attorney fees.

4.   Defaults, Enforcement and Application of Proceeds

     4.1   Upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each an "Event of
           Default"), Debtor shall be in default under this agreement:
  
           (a)  Any failure to pay the Indebtedness or any other indebtedness 
                when due, or such portion of it as may be due, by acceleration 
                or otherwise; or

           (b)  Any failure or neglect to comply with, or breach of or default
                under, any term of this Agreement, or any other agreement or
                commitment between Borrower, Debtor, or any guarantor of any
                of the Indebtedness ("Guarantor") and Bank; or

           (c)  Any warranty, representation, financial statement, or other
                information made, given or furnished to Bank by or on behalf of
                Borrower, Debtor, or any Guarantor shall be, or shall prove to
                have been, false or materially misleading when made, given, or
                furnished; or

           (d)  Any loss, theft, substantial damage or destruction to or of any
                Collateral, or the issuance or filing of any attachment, levy,
                garnishment or the commencement of any proceeding in connection
                with any Collateral or of any other judicial process of, upon or
                in respect of Borrower, Debtor, any Guarantor, or any
                Collateral; or

           (e)  Sale or other disposition by Borrower, Debtor, or any Guarantor
                of any substantial portion of its assets or property or
                voluntary suspension of the transaction of business by Borrower,
                Debtor, or any Guarantor, or death, dissolution, termination of
                existence, merger, consolidation, insolvency, business failure,
                or assignment for the benefit of creditors of or by Borrower,
                Debtor, or any Guarantor; or commencement of any proceedings
                under any state or federal bankruptcy or insolvency laws or laws
                for the relief of debtors by or against Borrower, Debtor, or any
                Guarantor; or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, court
                appointee, sequestrator or otherwise, for all or any part of
                the property of Borrower, Debtor, or any Guarantor; or

           (f)  Bank deems the margin of Collateral insufficient or itself
                insecure, in good faith believing that the prospect of payment
                of the Indebtedness or performance of this Agreement is impaired
                or shall fear deterioration, removal, or waste of Collateral.

     4.2   Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, Bank may at its
           discretion and without prior notice to Debtor declare any or all of
           the Indebtedness to be immediately due and payable, and shall have
           and may exercise any one or more of the following rights and
           remedies:

           (a)  Exercise all the rights and remedies upon default, in
                foreclosure and otherwise, available to secured parties under
                the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code and other
                applicable law;

           (b)  Institute legal proceedings to foreclose upon the lien and
                security interest granted by this Agreement, to recover judgment
                for all amounts then due and owing as Indebtedness, and to
                collect the same out of any Collateral or the proceeds of any
                sale of it;

           (c)  Institute legal proceedings for the sale, under the judgment or
                decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, of any or all
                Collateral; and/or

           (d)  Personally or by agents, attorneys, or appointment of a
                receiver, enter upon any premises where Collateral may then be
                located, and take possession of all or any of it and/or render
                it unusable; and without being responsible for loss or damage
                to such Collateral, hold, operate, sell, lease, or dispose of
                all or any Collateral at one or more public or private sales,
                leasings or other dispositions, at places and times and on
                terms and conditions as Bank may deem fit, without any previous
                demand or advertisement; and except as provided in this
                Agreement, all notice of sale, lease or other disposition, and
                advertisement, and other notice or demand, any right or equity
                of redemption, and any obligation of a prospective purchaser or
                lessee to inquire as to the power and authority of Bank to sell,
                lease, or otherwise dispose of the Collateral or as to the
                application by Bank of the proceeds of sale or otherwise, which
                would otherwise be required by, or available to Debtor under,
                applicable law are expressly waived by Debtor to the fullest
                extent permitted.

                At any sale pursuant to this Section 4.2, whether under the
                power of sale, by virtue of judicial proceedings or otherwise,
                it shall not be necessary for Bank or a public officer under
                order of a court to have present physical or constructive
                possession of Collateral to be sold. The recitals contained in
                any conveyances and receipts made and given by Bank or the
                public officer to any purchaser at any sale made pursuant to
                this Agreement shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law,
                conclusively establish the truth and accuracy of the matters
                stated (including, without limit, as to the amounts of the
                principal of and interest on the indebtedness, the accrual and
                nonpayment of it and advertisement and conduct of the sale); and
                all prerequisites to the sale shall be presumed to have been
                satisfied and performed. Upon any sale of any Collateral, the
                receipt of the officer making the sale under judicial
                proceedings or of Bank shall be sufficient discharge to the
                purchaser for the purchase money, and the purchaser shall not be
                obligated to see to the application of the money. Any sale of
                any Collateral under this Agreement shall be a perpetual bar
                against Debtor with respect to that Collateral.

           
     4.3  Debtor shall at the request of Bank, notify the account debtors or
          obligors of Bank's security interest in the Collateral and direct
          payment of it to Bank. Bank may, itself, upon the occurrence of any
          Event of Default so notify and direct any account debtor or obligor.

     4.4  The proceeds of any sale or other disposition of Collateral authorized
          by this Agreement shall be applied by Bank first upon all expenses
          authorized by the Uniform Commercial Code and all reasonable attorney
          fees and legal expenses incurred by Bank; the balance of the proceeds
          of the sale or other disposition shall be applied in the payment of
          the Indebtedness, first to interest, then to principal, then to
          remaining Indebtedness and the surplus, if any, shall be paid over to
          Debtor or to such other persons(s) as may be entitled to it under
          applicable law. Debtor shall remain liable for any deficiency, which
          it shall pay to Bank immediately upon demand.

     4.5  Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall it be construed, to
          preclude Bank from pursuing any other remedy provided by law for the
          collection of the Indebtedness or for the recovery of any other sum
          to which Bank may be entitled for the breach of this Agreement by
          Debtor. Nothing in this Agreement shall reduce or release in any way
          any rights or security interests of Bank contained in any existing
          agreement between Borrower, Debtor, or any Guarantor and Bank.

     4.6  No waiver of default or consent to any act by Debtor shall be
          effective unless in writing and signed by an authorized officer of
          Bank. No waiver of any default or forbearance on the part of Bank in
          enforcing any of its rights under this Agreement shall operate as a
          waiver of any other default or of the same default on a future
          occasion or of any rights.

     4.7  Debtor irrevocably appoints Bank or any agent of Bank (which
          appointment is coupled with an interest) the true and lawful attorney
          of Debtor (with full power of substitution) in the name, place and
          stead of, and at the expense of, Debtor:

<PAGE>
 
          (a)  to demand, receive, sue for, and give receipts or acquittances
               for any moneys due or to become due on any Collateral and to
               endorse any item representing any payment on or proceeds of the
               Collateral;

          (b)  to execute and file in the name of and on behalf of Debtor all
               financing statements or other filings deemed necessary or
               desirable by Bank to evidence, perfect, or continue the security
               interests granted in this Agreement; and

          (c)  to do and perform any act on behalf of Debtor permitted or
               required under this Agreement.

    4.8   Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Debtor also agrees, upon
          request of Bank, to assemble the Collateral and make it available to
          Bank at any place designated by Bank which is reasonably convenient to
          Bank and Debtor.

5.  Miscellaneous.

    5.1   Until Bank is advised in writing by Debtor to the contrary, all 
          notices, requests and demands required under this Agreement or by law
          shall be given to, or made upon, Debtor at the first address indicated
          in Section 5.15 below.

    5.2   Debtor will give Bank not less than 90 days prior written notice of 
          all contemplated changes in Debtor's name, chief executive office 
          location, and/or location of any Collateral, but the giving of this
          notice shall not cure any Event of Default caused by this change.

    5.3   Bank assumes no duty of performance or other responsibility under any
          contracts contained within the Collateral.

    5.4   Bank has the right to sell, assign, transfer, negotiate or grant 
          participations or any interest in, any or all of the Indebtedness and
          any related obligations, including without limit this Agreement. In 
          connection with the above, but without limiting its ability to make 
          other disclosures to the full extent allowable, Bank may disclose all
          documents and information which Bank now or later has relating to 
          Debtor, the Indebtedness or this Agreement, however obtained. Debtor
          further agrees that Bank may provide information relating to this 
          Agreement or relating to Debtor to the Bank's parent, affiliates, 
          subsidiaries, and service providers.
   
    5.5   In addition to Bank's other rights, any indebtedness owing from Bank
          to Debtor can be set off and applied by Bank on any Indebtedness 
          at any time(s) either before or after maturity or demand without 
          notice to anyone.

    5.6   Debtor waives any right to require the Bank to: (a) proceed against
          person or property; (b) give notice of the terms, time and place of
          any public or private sale of personal property security held from
          Borrower or any other person, or otherwise comply with the provisions
          of Section 9-504 of the Uniform Commercial Code; or (c) pursue any
          other remedy in the Bank's power. Debtor waives notice of acceptance
          of this Agreement and presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest,
          dishonor, notice of dishonor, notice of default, notice of intent to
          accelerate or demand payment of any Indebtedness, any and all other
          notices to which the undersigned might otherwise be entitled, and
          diligence in collecting any Indebtedness, and agree(s) that the Bank
          may, once or any number of times, modify the terms of any
          Indebtedness, compromise, extend, increase, accelerate, renew or
          forbear to enforce payment of any or all Indebtedness, or permit
          Borrower to incur additional Indebtedness, all without notice to
          Debtor and without affecting in any manner the unconditional
          obligation of Debtor under this Agreement. Debtor unconditionally and
          irrevocably waives each and every defense and setoff of any nature
          which, under principles of guaranty or otherwise, would operate to
          impair or diminish in any way the obligation of Debtor under this
          Agreement, and acknowledges that such waiver is by this reference
          incorporated into each security agreement, collateral assignment,
          pledge and/or document from Debtor now or later securing the
          Indebtedness, and acknowledges that as of the date of this Agreement
          no such defense or setoff exists.

    5.7   Debtor waives any and all rights (whether by subrogation, indemnity,
          reimbursement, or otherwise) to recover from Borrower any amounts
          paid or the value of any Collateral given by Debtor pursuant to this
          Agreement.
  
    5.8   In the event that applicable law shall obligate Bank to give prior 
          notice to Debtor of any action to be taken under this Agreement, 
          Debtor agrees that a written notice given to Debtor at least five
          days before the date of the act shall be reasonable notice of the act
          and, specifically, reasonable notification of the time and place
          of any public sale or of the time after which any private sale, lease,
          or other disposition is to be made, unless a shorter notice period is
          reasonable under the circumstances. A notice shall be deemed to be 
          given under this Agreement when delivered to Debtor or when placed in
          an envelope addressed to Debtor and deposited, with postage prepaid,
          in a post office or official depository under the exclusive care and
          custody of the United States Postal Service or delivered to an
          overnight courier, certified, or first class mail.

    5.9   Notwithstanding any prior revocation, termination, surrender, or 
          discharge of this Agreement in whole or in part, the effectiveness of
          this Agreement shall automatically continue or be reinstated in the
          event that any payment received or credit given by Bank in respect of
          the Indebtedness is returned, disgorged, or rescinded under any 
          applicable law, including, without limitation, bankruptcy or 
          insolvency laws, in which case this Agreement, shall be enforceable
          against Debtor as if the returned, disgorged, or rescinded payment or
          credit had not been received or given by Bank, and whether or not 
          Bank relied upon this payment or credit or changed its position as
          a consequence of it. In the event of continuation or reinstatement of
          this Agreement, Debtor agrees upon demand by Bank to execute and 
          deliver to Bank those documents which Bank determines are appropriate
          to further evidence (in the public records or otherwise) this 
          continuation or reinstatement, although the failure of Debtor to do
          so shall not affect in any way the reinstatement or continuation.

    5.10  This Agreement and all the rights and remedies of Bank under this 
          Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Bank's successors and assigns 
          and to any other holder who derives from Bank title to or an interest
          in the Indebtedness or any portion of it, and shall bind Debtor and 
          the heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns of Debtor.
          Nothing in this Section 5.10 is deemed a consent by Bank to any 
          assignment by Debtor.

    5.11  If there is more than one Debtor, all undertakings, warranties and 
          covenants made by Debtor and all rights, powers and authorities
          given to or conferred upon Bank are made or given jointly and 
          severally.

    5.12  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all terms in this
          Agreement have the meanings assigned to them in Division 9 (or, absent
          definition in Division 9, in any other Division) of the Uniform
          Commercial Code, as of the date of this Agreement. "Uniform Commercial
          Code" means the California Uniform Commercial Code, as amended.

    5.13  No single or partial exercise, or delay in the exercise, of any right
          or power under this Agreement, shall preclude other or further
          exercise of the rights and powers under this Agreement. The
          unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect
          the enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement. This Agreement
          constitutes the entire agreement of Debtor and Bank with respect to
          the subject matter of this Agreement. No amendment or modification of
          this Agreement shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing
          and signed by Debtor and an authorized officer of Bank. This Agreement
          shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal
          laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of laws
                               ----------
          principles.
            
    5.14  To the extent that any of the Indebtedness is payable upon demand, 
          nothing contained in this Agreement shall modify the terms and 
          conditions of that Indebtedness nor shall anything contained in this
          Agreement prevent Bank from making demand, without notice and with or
          without reason, for immediate payment of any or all of that 
          Indebtedness at any time(s), whether or not an Event of Default has 
          occurred.

    5.15  Debtor's chief executive office is located and shall be maintained at
          5010 Eucalyptus Avenue 
          ---------------------------------------------
          STREET ADDRESS

          Chino                       Ca                91710
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
          CITY                       STATE              ZIP CODE    COUNTY   

          If Collateral is located at other than the chief executive office,
          such Collateral is located and shall be maintained
          



 
               


 

 



 


 



<PAGE>
 
            at                                  Crossroads Commerce Center
                  ------------------------------------------------------------.
                  STREET ADDRESS
                  Lathrop           California     95330       San Joaquin
            ------------------------------------------------------------------.
            CITY                    STATE         ZIP CODE     COUNTY

            Collateral shall be maintained only at the locations identified in 
            this Section 5.15.

     5.16   A carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement shall
            be sufficient as a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial 
            Code and may be filed by Bank in any filing office.

     5.17   This Agreement shall be terminated only by the filing of a
            termination statement in accordance with the applicable provisions
            of the Uniform Commercial Code, but the obligations contained in
            Section 2.14 of this Agreement shall survive termination.

6.   DEBTOR AND BANK ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IS A
     CONSTITUTIONAL ONE, BUT THAT IT MAY BE WAIVED. EACH PARTY, AFTER CONSULTING
     (OR HAVING HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT) WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR CHOICE,
     KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY, AND FOR THEIR MUTUAL BENEFIT WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO
     TRIAL BY JURY IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION REGARDING THE PERFORMANCE OR
     ENFORCEMENT OF, OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE
     INDEBTEDNESS.

7.   Special Provisions Applicable to this Agreement. (*None, if left blank)



                                  DEBTOR:  Provena Foods, Inc.                 
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           DEBTOR NAME TYPED/PRINTED           
                                                                               
                                  By:  /s/ Illegible Signature
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       SIGNATURE OF                            
                                                                               
                                  Its: CEO                                     
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       TITLE (if applicable)                   
                                                                               
                                  By:  /s/ Illegible Signature
                                       ---------------------------------------- 
                                       SIGNATURE OF                            
                                                                               
                                  Its: Chairman                                
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       TITLE (if applicable)                   
                                                                               
                                  By:  /s/ Illegible Signature
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       SIGNATURE OF                            
                                                                               
                                  Its: CFO                                     
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       TITLE (if applicable)                    
                          
                                  By:                                          
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       SIGNATURE OF                            
                                                                               
                                  Its:                                         
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       TITLE (if applicable)                    

<PAGE>
 
                        COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT


                                    between


                      SWISS-AMERICAN SAUSAGE COMPANY INC.

                                      and
                                      

                      UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS 
                                   LOCAL 101

               208 Miller Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080
                                (415) 871-5730



                          [LOGO OF UFCW APPEARS HERE]


                                   covering


                     APRIL 1, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002
                     
<PAGE>
 
                      SWISS-AMERICAN SAUSAGE COMPANY INC.
                     APRIL 1, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>          
SECTION                                                                PAGE
- -------                                                                ----
<S>                                                                    <C>
 1.  RECOGNITION/JURISDICTION..........................................   1 
 2.  UNION SECURITY....................................................   4 
 3.  EMPLOYMENT........................................................   5 
 4.  DISCHARGE.........................................................   6 
 5.  HOURS.............................................................   7 
 6.  OVERTIME..........................................................   8 
 7.  HOLIDAYS..........................................................   9 
 8.  VACATIONS.........................................................  10
 9.  LEAVES OF ABSENCE.................................................  12
10.  WAGES.............................................................  14
11.  SUPERANNUATED EMPLOYEES...........................................  15
12.  HEALTH AND WELFARE................................................  16
13.  SICK LEAVE........................................................  17
14.  PENSIONS..........................................................  19
15.  JURY DUTY.........................................................  19
16.  GENERAL BENEFITS..................................................  20
17.  SENIORITY.........................................................  20
18.  GRIEVANCE AND ARBITRATION.........................................  22
19.  UNION AFFAIRS.....................................................  24
20.  WORKING CONDITIONS AND SAFETY.....................................  24
21.  JOB SECURITY......................................................  25
22.  SEPARABILITY......................................................  26
23.  TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP.............................................  26
24.  SAVINGS CLAUSE....................................................  26
25.  DRIVERS...........................................................  27
26.  NO STRIKE OR LOCKOUT..............................................  27
27.  EXTENSION AND SCOPE...............................................  27
     LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING...........................................  29
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                        COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

                                    between

                      SWISS-AMERICAN SAUSAGE COMPANY INC.

                                      and

                                UFCW LOCAL 101

                     APRIL 1, 1998 through MARCH 31, 2002

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into by and between SWISS-AMERICAN SAUSAGE
COMPANY, INC., located at 35 Williams Avenue, San Francisco, hereinafter
referred to as the "Employer" or "Company" and UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL
WORKERS UNION LOCAL 101, AFL-CIO, CLC hereinafter referred to as the "Union".

                                  WITNESSETH
                                  ----------

In order to establish working conditions which are fair and equitable to all
Employers and employees, the parties hereto agree to the following:

The parties to this Agreement recognize the competitive nature of the industry
and further agree that no employee will be required to work hours in excess of
the working hours established in this Agreement.

                     SECTION 1. RECOGNITION, JURISDICTION
                     ------------------------------------

1.1  Union Recognition. The Employer recognizes the Union as the exclusive
     ------------------
     bargaining agent for all employees employed in the classification set forth
     in Section 10 working in the plant of the Employer located in the City of
     San Francisco, County of San Mateo and San Joaquin County.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
1.2       Classification Definitions. It is understood and agreed that the
          ---------------------------
          following groups of employees shall be recognized as:

1.2.1     Sausage Makers. This group shall consist of Journeymen and/or
          ---------------
          Apprentices engaged in processing and manufacturing of specialty
          sausage items, smoked, cooked and cured meats and meat food products
          involving trimming and boning, grinding, formulating, and other
          preparation, chopping and mixing, hanging, tying and linking, stuffing
          casings, loaves and table work, cooking, smokehouse, steam cabinet,
          curing and other work incidental to the above. The parties agree that
          all sausage makers or apprentices promoted before August 1, 1998,
          shall be grandfathered into this classification and shall be credited
          towards the required number of production specialists.

1.2.2     Production Specialist. This group shall consist of a minimum of ten
          ----------------------
          (10) Production Workers engaged primarily in processing and
          manufacturing of specialty sausage items, smoked, cooked and cured
          meats and meat food products involving trimming and boning, grinding,
          formulating, and other preparation, chopping and mixing, hanging,
          tying and linking, stuffing casings, loaves and table work, cooking,
          smokehouse, steam cabinet, curing and other work incidental to the
          above. Production Specialists shall have seniority as Production
          Specialists, but shall also have Production Worker seniority and can
          displaced a less senior Production Worker in the event a layoff as a
          Production Specialist.

          It is agreed and understood that the use of Production Worker as
          herein described shall not result in the displacement of any current
          employees from his/her current classification of work. It is further
          agreed that, in the event of a reduction in workforce involving or
          affecting the kitchen, employees in the Production Worker
          classification shall be the first removed from the kitchen.

1.2.3     Maintenance Workers. Employees engaged primarily in the maintenance
          --------------------
          and repair of the Employer's equipment.

1.2.4     Sanitation Workers. Employees engaged primarily in the sanitation and
          -------------------
          cleaning of the work place.

1.2.5     Rotation Workers. Employees engaged primarily in the rotation of the
          -----------------
          Employers hanging products throughout the plant. Rotation Workers
          shall have seniority as a Rotation Worker, but shall also have
          Production Worker seniority and can displace a less senior Production
          Worker in the event a layoff as a Rotation Worker.

1.2.6     Working Foreperson. A Working Foreperson shall not be disciplined by
          -------------------
          the Union or discriminated against in any way for exercising
          discretionary duties on behalf of Management or effectively
          recommending courses of action to

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
          Management.

1.2.7     Supervisors. Supervisors will not be a part of the bargaining unit,
          ------------
          will not be required to join the Union, and will be permitted to
          perform whatever work the Company assigns; provided however that the
          number of supervisors shall be limited to a number equal to ten
          percent (10%) of the number of bargaining unit employees.

1.2.8     Owner's Family Members. It is agreed and understood that officers and
          -----------------------
          their immediate family may, is assigned to perform bargaining unit
          work, become members of the Union on the same terms and conditions
          membership is made available to all other bargaining unit employees
          provided that the officer is stationed in the jurisdiction of this
          agreement and these family members do not cause the displacement of
          any current employee.

1.3       Performance of Bargaining Unit Work. The Employer agrees that only
          ------------------------------------
          employees included in the bargaining unit shall perform any of the
          work coming within the jurisdiction of this Agreement, provided
          however; that non-bargaining unit work may perform bargaining unit
          work where necessary for: emergencies beyond the control of the
          Employer, work in the instruction or training of employees, and
          testing materials in production.

1.4       Employees Status:
          -----------------

1.4.1     Regular Employees. A Regular Employee is one who has completed the
          ------------------
          probationary period for all new employees in accordance with Section
          18 hereof.


1.4.2     Extra Employees. Any employee hired to either relieve a regular
          ----------------
          employee or to supplement the existing work force. Extra Employee
          shall not be employed to displace Regular Employees. An Extra Employee
          who works forty-five (45) work days for the same Employer within a
          twelve (12) month period shall become a Regular Employee for the
          purposes of benefit eligibility. Extra Employees may be scheduled less
          than forty (40) hours per week. Regular Employees on layoff shall be
          hired first. No Extra Employees will be hired when Regular Employees
          in the same classification are on layoff.

          It is agreed and understood that assignment of employees to work less
          than forty (40) hours per week within the meaning of this provision,
          shall not operate to replace any existing employees and, further, the
          hiring of employees to work less than forty (40) hours per week shall
          not be done for the purpose of permanently replacing full-time
          positions. In the event of a reduction in force, those employees
          regularly scheduled to work less than forty (40) hours per week shall
          be laid off prior to the layoff of any Regular Employees.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
1.4.3     Probationary Employees. A Probationary Employee is one who has not yet
          -----------------------
          completed the required forty-five (45) work days of trial employment
          with the current Employer, as specified in Section 18 (Seniority)
          herein. New employees to the industry hired on or after April 1, 1988,
          shall not be entitled to health and welfare contributions, holidays,
          funeral leave, sick pay and jury duty pay during the probationary
          period.

1.5       Management Rights. The Employer shall have the right to the general
          ------------------
          management of all operations and the direction of the workforce,
          including but not limited to, the right to hire, transfer, promote,
          maintain discipline and efficiency, layoff, establish new processes or
          use new equipment, establish schedules of production, and to extend,
          limit or curtail its operations. Nothing in this Agreement shall be
          construed, by any manner or means, to preclude the subcontracting of
          work by the Company or to require the Company to perform work at this
          Plant rather than elsewhere so long as the rights specified herein are
          not exercised in a manner inconsistent with this Agreement.

                           SECTION 2. UNION SECURITY
                           -------------------------

2.1       Local Union Membership. Every person performing work covered by this
          -----------------------
          Agreement who is a member of the Union on the effective date of this
          Section shall, as a condition of employment or continued employment,
          remain a member of the Union. Every person employed to perform work
          covered by this Agreement shall, as a condition of employment, be a
          member of the Union, or shall, within a period of thirty-one (31) days
          after the effective or execution date of this Agreement, whichever is
          later, become a member of the Union.

2.2       Maintenance of Membership. The Employer shall discharge every person
          --------------------------
          who has failed to comply with the provision of Section 2.1 at the end
          of the work day during which notice of such noncompliance is received.
          The Employer further agrees not to again employ or re-employ any
          person(s) so discharged until he or she is a member of the Union;
          provided, however, in the event that the Labor Management Relations
          Act, as amended, is applicable to this Agreement, the provisions of
          this sentence of this Section 2.2 shall not be applied until a final
          administrative or judicial decision has been rendered which would
          permit its application under the Act.

2.3       Applicants for Membership. Membership in the Union shall be available
          --------------------------
          to person employed in work covered by this Agreement upon terms and
          qualifications not more burdensome than those applicable generally to
          other applicants for such membership.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                             SECTION 3. EMPLOYMENT
                             ---------------------

3.1       No Discrimination. The Employer shall have sole responsibility for the
          ------------------
          full freedom in the selection and employment and discharge of persons
          employed or to be employed in work covered by this Agreement, subject
          to the provisions of this Agreement; provided, that there shall be
          no discrimination because of membership or non-membership in or
          participation or non-participation in the activities of the Union. The
          Employer will not discharge or discriminate against any employee
          upholding lawful Union principles such as serving as an officer or
          other representative of the Union, soliciting membership in the Union,
          wearing Union buttons, distributing Union literature or attending
          Union meetings provided that such activity does not interfere with his
          or her work. The Employer will not discharge or discriminate against
          any employee for failing or refusing to purchase stock, bonds,
          securities, or any other interest in any corporation, partnership or
          company.

3.2       Hiring Notification. An Employer who desires to employ a person in
          --------------------
          work covered under this Agreement shall inform the Union of the number
          and qualifications of persons desired, the location of the job site,
          in advance of the time that such persons are required.

3.3       Hiring Consideration. In the hiring of new employees, the Employer
          ---------------------
          agrees that it will give equal consideration to all applicants,
          including those referred by the Union. The Employer and the Union will
          not discriminate compensation, terms or conditions of employment
          because of such individual's race, color, religion, sex, age (to the
          extent provided by law), or national origin; nor will they limit,
          segregate or classify employees in any way to deprive any individual
          employee of employment opportunities because of their race, color,
          religion, sex, age (to the extent provided by law), or national
          origin. Any reference to the male gender in this Contract shall be in
          the generic sense and it shall refer equally to either sex without
          discrimination, as provided above.

3.4       Union Notification. The Employer shall notify the Union within one (1)
          -------------------
          week of the name, address, Social Security Account Number and
          classification of every such person employed in work covered by this
          Agreement, together with the date of such employment and location of
          the place or prospective place of employment. Whenever a person is
          rejected for or discharged for such work, the Employer shall, upon
          request of the Union, notify the Union of the reason or reasons
          therefor. The notice required by this Section shall be made in writing
          within forty-eight (48) hours after such request. Any employees hired
          shall report to the Union within one (1) week after the date of
          employment to fill out and sign applications, forms and papers for
          health and welfare, dental and pension purposes.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                             SECTION 4. DISCHARGE
                             --------------------

4.1       Prohibition Against Discharge. No employee covered by this Agreement
          ------------------------------
          shall be suspended, demoted or discharged without just and sufficient
          cause. Discharge for failure to comply with Section 2.2 of this
          Agreement shall be deemed a discharge for cause. Before an employee is
          suspended for more than three (3) days or discharged, he or she shall
          receive written warning of unsatisfactory conduct and a copy of such
          notice shall be sent to the Union. Such written warning shall not be
          effective for suspension actions for more than nine (9) months. The
          employee receiving such warning shall be given reasonable opportunity
          to rectify or change such conduct. The notice and warning required by
          this section need not be given to employees disciplined for, but not
          limited to any gross violation of reasonably acceptable conduct.

4.2       Notice From Insurance Carrier. When an insurance carrier notifies the
          ------------------------------
          Employer that the Firm's vehicle insurance is being cancelled because
          of a driver's record of on-the-job driving on file with the California
          Department of Motor Vehicles, that driver may be transferred to
          another job, if available, where he or she shall have seniority as a
          new employee or, if no job is available, he or she may be laid-off
          pending the results of the grievance procedure.

4.3       Right of Appeal. Any employee claiming unjust dismissal, demotion or
          ----------------
          suspension shall make his or her claim therefor to the Union within
          ten (10) working days of such dismissal, demotion or suspension and
          the Union will that day notify the Employer by telephone and confirm
          in writing, otherwise, no action shall be taken by the Union. If,
          after proper investigation by the Union and the Employer, it has been
          found that an employee has been disciplined unjustly, he or she shall
          be reinstated with full rights and shall be paid his or her wages for
          the period he or she was suspended, demoted or dismissed.
          Investigation of any claims shall be made within ten (10) days of the
          making of such complaint by the employee. Any dispute arising out of
          such suspension, demotion, or discharge shall be processed under
          Section 19 (Grievance and Arbitration) of this Agreement.

4.4       Notification of Discharge. When an employee is discharged, the
          --------------------------
          Employer must give written notice to the employee, stating the reasons
          for such discharge, and the Union shall receive a copy of said
          notice. Upon written notification by the Union of an employee holding
          a second job, the Employer will either terminate the employment of the
          employee or require that he or she resign his or her second job. Where
          an employee is holding a full-time second job, the Employer, five (5)
          working days after written notice to the employee requesting he or she
          resign his or her second job, may terminate him or her if he or she
          does not do so.

                                       6
<PAGE>

                               SECTION 5. HOURS
                               ---------------- 

5.1       Hours of Operation. The hours of operation of the Employer's facility
          -------------------
          shall be as hereunder provided and shall apply to all employees of the
          Employer covered herein. Hours worked in excess of eight (8) straight-
          time hours in a day or in excess of forty (40) straight-time hours in
          any week shall be paid at one and one-half (1 1/2) times the straight-
          time rate.

5.2       Posting Requirement. All regular employees shall have their schedule
          --------------------
          posted by Friday noon for the following work week. It shall not be
          changed except by reason of an Act of God or other reason beyond the
          reasonable control of the Employer. The schedule shall show the full
          name of the employee, the starting times and the days scheduled for
          him or her during the following week in ink or typewritten.

5.3       Schedule of Shift. All first shift hours shall be regularly scheduled
          ------------------
          to commence no earlier than 5:00 a.m., and no later than 10:00 a.m.
          The second shift hours shall commence on or after 10:00 a.m., and no
          later than 5:00 p.m. The third shift hours shall commence on or after
          5:00 p.m., and before 5:00 a.m. All work commenced on or after 10:00
          a.m., but no later than 5:00 p.m., shall be paid for at the rate of
          the second shift premium for all hours worked. All work commenced on
          or after 5:00 p.m., and before 5:00 a.m., shall be paid at the third
          shift premium for all hours worked.

5.4       Guaranteed Work Week. Regular Employees shall be guaranteed payment
          ---------------------
          for and expected to work eight (8) hours each day, forty (40) hours
          for each week subject to the addition of all premium and overtime
          provisions, unless such work ceases to be available by reason of an
          Act of God, or other reason beyond the control of the Employer.
          Employees unable to work eight (8) hours a day, forty (40) hours a
          week shall provide a reasonable explanation and verification of the
          reason of absence where appropriate and in compliance with the
          provisions of this Agreement.

5.5       Extra Employees Work Week. Extra Employees may be scheduled to work
          --------------------------
          less than forty (40) hours per week. Extra Employees shall be
          scheduled to work in accordance with their seniority. Extra Employees
          scheduled to work less than forty (40) hours shall be scheduled as
          work is available.

5.6       Regular Work Week. The regular work day shall consist of eight (8)
          ------------------
          hours within nine (9) hours, Monday through Friday, inclusive,
          provided however, it is agreed and understood that the Employer may,
          during the course of this Agreement, with seven (7) calendar days
          notice to the Union, institute a Tuesday through Saturday work week.
          This work week shall be comprised of a regular

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
          crew and established only for the purpose of expanding production
          capability. This work week shall be offered on a voluntary basis to
          existing employees and shall not be used to reduce existing Saturday
          overtime opportunities.

5.7       Minimums. Five (5) days consisting of eight (8) working hours per day,
          ---------
          forty (40) hours, Monday through Friday, inclusive, except as
          otherwise herein provided, shall constitute a work week for all
          eligible employees except that during a week in which a holiday falls,
          the work week shall consist of thirty-two (32) hours. Employees called
          to work will be provided with a minimum of eight (8) hours work or pay
          in lieu of work, such pay to start from the hour the employee is
          required to report for work, except in case of matters beyond the
          control of the Employer. Employees doing security inspection or
          quality control shall be guaranteed a minimum of one (1) hour work or
          pay in lieu thereof.

5.8       Bid on Job Shifts. Employees shall have the right to bid on job shift
          ------------------
          assignments in the order of their seniority except that no employee
          shall have this opportunity more often than once in every six-month
          period, except when a shift is reestablished within the six (6)
          months. It is understood that this privilege shall not result in chain
          bumping. When a shift is discontinued, the senior employee shall have
          the right to bid on the job classification in the existing shift.

5.9       Call Back. An employee called back to work within twelve (12) hours
          ----------
          from the end of his or her shift shall be paid one and one-half 
          (1 1/2) his or her applicable rate for the hours worked prior to the
          expiration of such hours.

5.10      Meal Periods. All employees shall receive one (1) full uninterrupted
          -------------
          hour for a meal period or by mutual agreement between the employees,
          the Employer and the Union one-half (1/2) hour, approximately in the
          middle of the working day, and in no event shall an employee work more
          than five (5) hours before any meal period. In agreeing on lunch
          periods, the parties will consider the requirement set by the USDA for
          meat inspectors.

5.11      Rest Periods. All employees shall receive two (2), fifteen (15) minute
          -------------
          rest periods in an eight (8) hour day. Employees working beyond nine
          (9) hours in a day shall receive an additional ten (10) minute rest
          period.

5.12      Clean Up. Sufficient time shall be allowed to clean up the Plant in
          ---------
          order that the employees may leave by their regular quitting time.

                              SECTION 6. OVERTIME
                              -------------------

6.1       Overtime Pay. All work in excess of eight (8) hours in one (1) day and
          -------------
          all work in excess of forty (40) hours in one (1) week shall be paid
          for at the overtime rate of one and one-half (1 1/2) time the
          employee's regular straight time rate of pay.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
          Employees shall be paid at one and one-half (1 1/2) for all work
          performed on the sixth (6th) day of the employee's work week. All work
          performed in excess of ten (10) hours in any one (1) day shall be paid
          for at the overtime rate of two (2) times the employee's regular
          straight time rate of pay. When overtime work is scheduled for Sundays
          and Holidays, such work shall be paid for at the overtime rate of (2)
          times the employee's regular straight time rate of pay (double time).
          All work performed either before the employee's scheduled eight (8)
          hour shift or after the completion of his or her scheduled eight (8)
          hour shift, except as provided above, shall be paid for at the rate of
          one and one-half (1 1/2) times the employee's regular straight time
          rate of pay. In the event an employee is required to report for work
          earlier than his scheduled shift starting time, the Employer shall
          schedule a minimum thirty (30) minutes of work time in this period.
          There shall be no pyramiding of overtime under this Agreement. Extra
          Employees will be given the preference whenever possible to avert
          overtime.

6.2       Daily Overtime. Preference for overtime work shall be given to
          ---------------
          employees performing the work prior to the expiration of the shift. If
          additional employees are required such overtime work shall be offered
          to employees by classification seniority within the department, then
          plantwide.

6.3       Weekend/Holiday Overtime. Preference for overtime work on a weekend or
          -------------------------
          holiday shall be offered to employees performing the work during the
          regular work week first, next by classification seniority within the
          department, then plantwide as per current practice.

6.4       Reporting Pay. When an employee is sent out from the Union to a
          --------------
          position at the request of the Employer, or is requested by the
          Employer to report to work arriving there on time is not permitted to
          work, the employee reporting to work shall be given a day's pay. If an
          employee arrives late, then he or she may be sent home and the
          Employer shall not be obligated to pay him or her for that day;
          however, if the employee is allowed to work any part of that day, he
          or she shall be paid only for the hours actually worked on that day
          and his or her guarantee shall be proportionately reduced by the hours
          not worked on that day.

                              SECTION 7. HOLIDAYS
                              -------------------

7.1       Recognized Holidays. The following holidays shall be recognized and
          --------------------
          observed annually under this Agreement and eligible employees as set
          forth in Section 7.4 shall receive pay for said holidays as if worked.

          1.  New Year's Day                       6.  Labor Day
          2.  Martin Luther King's Birthday        7.  Thanksgiving Day
          3.  President Day                        8.  Day after Thanksgiving
          4.  Memorial Day                         9.  Christmas Day
          5.  Fourth of July                      10.  Employee Birthday

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
7.2       Employee's Birthday. Each employee shall give his or her Employer
          --------------------
          notice of his or her birthday at least two (2) weeks prior to the week
          in which the birthday occurs. When the necessities of the Employer's
          business preclude the granting of the Holiday on such birthday of the
          employee, the Employer shall notify the employee during the week in
          which the employee gave notice of the birthday to the Employer and a
          change shall be scheduled by mutual agreement in the week preceding or
          in the week following the week of the employee's birthday. The
          Birthday holiday shall apply only to Regular Employees who have been
          employed by the Company for one (1) one full year. If an employee's
          birthday falls on a day which is otherwise considered as the Holiday,
          or on a Saturday or Sunday, he or she shall receive an additional day
          off for the birthday in addition to the Holiday on which it falls or
          may receive pay (eight (8) hours at the straight time rate of pay) by
          mutual agreement with the Employer. The Birthday Holiday must be taken
          within each contract year or it shall be lost.

7.3       Holiday Pay Eligibility. Non-probationary employees working their
          ------------------------
          scheduled work day before and their scheduled work day after the
          Holiday shall receive pay for the Holiday, except that an employee who
          is absent due to illness or injury for a period not in excess of
          thirty (30) days, or death in the immediate family and is, therefore,
          unable to work the scheduled work day before and the scheduled work
          day after the Holiday shall receive pay for the Holiday. If a Regular
          Employee worked in the week before Christmas Week or in the week
          following New Year's Day Week, he or she shall be paid for both
          Holidays. Any Regular Employee or temporary layoff who worked any
          portion of the week preceding, the week of, or the week following the
          Holiday week shall be paid for the Holiday if temporary layoff has not
          and does not exceed three (3) weeks. Extra Employees working the work
          days in the week of the Holiday shall be paid for the Holiday.

7.4       Holidays Falling on Saturday/Sunday. When one of the above enumerated
          ------------------------------------
          Holidays falls on a Sunday, then Monday shall be considered as the
          Holiday. When one of the above enumerated Holidays falls on a
          Saturday, then Friday shall be considered as the Holiday.

                             SECTION 8. VACATIONS
                             --------------------

8.1       Vacation Benefits. All Regular Employees who have been in the employ
          ------------------
          of the Employer for at least one (1) year shall be entitled to receive
          vacation benefits as specified below. Employees going on vacation
          shall receive pay for said vacation period prior to leaving on
          vacation.

8.1.1     One (1) week's (five (5) days) vacation with pay after completion of
          the first year

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
          of service.

8.1.2     Two (2) week's (ten (10) days) vacation with pay after completion of
          the second year of service.


8.1.3     Three (3) week's (fifteen (15) days) vacation with pay after
          completion of the five year of service.

8.1.4     Four (4) week's (twenty (20) days) vacation with pay after completion
          of the fifteenth year of service.

          Employees with seniority dates prior to October 1, 1982 who are
          entitled to four (4) or more weeks of vacation with pay shall be
          frozen at their current entitlement and shall not accrue further
          additional vacation benefits by virtue of additional years of Company
          service or otherwise.

8.2       Multiple Week Vacation Schedules. Where an employee is entitled to
          ---------------------------------
          three (3) or more weeks of vacation the employee and Employer may, if
          they mutually agree, provide that two (2) weeks be taken at one time
          and the balance taken at one other time during the year, or that two
          (2) weeks may be taken at one time together with payment in lieu of
          the balance thereof.

8.3       The principle of seniority shall be observed in the choice of vacation
          periods. The Vacation Schedule for the period March 15 of the current
          year to March 15 of the following year shall be posted by February
          First and selection of the first increment of vacation shall be
          completed by all employees by March First. Selection of the second
          increment of vacation shall be completed by all employees by March
          Fifteenth. After this, there shall be no changes in the schedule
          except is case of severe personal hardship. The Employer shall have
          the right to designate the number of employees that may be off at any
          given time, but in no event less than one employee in any one week
          except for five weeks out of the year marked out by the Employer in
          consideration of its business needs. If an Employee who is entitled to
          more than three weeks vacation does not select dates for the fourth,
          fifth or sixth weeks by March 15, he or she may subsequently select
          dates after September 30, upon mutual arrangement with the Employer,
          so long as such selection would not require a change in another
          employee's scheduled vacation. An employee who fails to select his or
          her vacation in a timely manner as provided in this Section shall be
          placed at the bottom of the seniority list for the purpose of
          selecting vacation dates after the deadline for such selection has
          passed. In the event the employee has not utilized or made a previous
          selection of their vacation(s) schedule, the Employer shall have the
          right to assign those weeks which are remaining within the last three
          (3) months of the eligible year.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
8.4       Pro-Rated Vacation Pay Upon Separation From Employment. Upon
          -------------------------------------------------------
          termination of employment or change of ownership of a plant, employees
          shall receive prorated vacation pay based on each full month worked
          since the employee's last anniversary date of employment; provided,
          however, vacation pay shall not be paid during the first year of
          employment in cases of discharge for cause or voluntary quit, except
          that on voluntary quits where one week's notice has been given to the
          Employer, the employee shall receive pro-rated vacation pay.

          Employment period                  Rate of Accrual
          -----------------                  ---------------

          First six (6) months               none
          After six (6) months               1/6 weeks(s) owed per month
          After four (4) years               1/4 week per month

8.5       Pro-Rated Vacation Formula for Employees Working Less Than a Full
          -----------------------------------------------------------------
          Year. An Employee shall receive full vacation pay at his or her
          -----
          regular weekly rate of pay if he or she works one hundred and eighty
          (180) days or more during his or her anniversary year. If an employee
          works less than one hundred and eighty (180) days during his or her
          anniversary year, he or she shall receive pro-rated vacation pay. Such
          pro-rated vacation pay shall be computed by taking his or her gross
          earnings during his or her anniversary year, divided by fifty-two (52)
          and multiplied by the number of weeks vacation to which the employee
          is entitled according to his or her length of service. Calculation of
          vacation under this Section is permitted only on an employee's
          anniversary date and is not to be used for incomplete years.

8.6       Holiday During Vacation. When a Holiday falls within the employee's
          ------------------------
          vacation period, he or she shall be eligible for a paid day off at a
          time mutually agreeable to the employee and the Employer, except that,
          if the employee and the Employer mutually agree, the employee may
          receive pay in lieu of the Holiday.

8.7       Estate Benefit. In the event of the death of an employee who is
          ---------------
          eligible for sick leave and vacation pay, his or her estate, or the
          person legally entitled thereto, shall receive pro-rated vacation and
          sick pay computed under the provisions of Section 8.4 and 13.1 of
          this Agreement.

8.8       Vacation Mobility. The Employer agrees to consider vacation benefits
          ------------------
          earned with a previous industry Employer when hiring employees.

                         SECTION 9. LEAVES OF ABSENCE
                         ----------------------------

9.1       Approved Leave of Absence. The Employer may grant leaves to employees
          --------------------------
          based on merit of the leave. Request and permission must be in
          writing. An Employee who fails to report for work at the end of a
          Leave of Absence shall

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
          terminate seniority rights except where the Employer has agreed to
          extend the Leave of Absence. A thirty (30) days Leave of Absence
          without pay shall be allowed where necessary in order to care for
          necessary details resulting from the death of a member of his or her
          immediate family as defined below. All Leaves of Absence granted in
          this Agreement shall be considered as part of the continuous service
          with the Employer subject to the limitation outlined in Section 17.3.
          When a personal Leave of Absence is granted to an employee by an
          Employer, a written notice shall be given to evidence such an
          arrangement. Employees shall use all vacation time and Floating
          Holidays prior to the start of any leave of absence.

9.2       Union Business. Employees chosen by the Union to attend Union business
          ---------------
          outside the Plant shall, with permission of the Employer, be granted
          leave of absence without pay, not exceeding thirty (30) days. A
          request for such leave of absence shall be made at least seven (7)
          working days prior to the first (1st) day of absence, except that such
          notice need not be provided for absences to attend collective
          bargaining negotiations.

9.3       Non-Paid Funeral Leave. In the event of a death of a person other than
          -----------------------
          those identified in this Section the employee shall be given one (1)
          day off upon request, without pay, for the purpose of attending the
          funeral unless the number of requests for attendance at the funeral
          would unduly hamper the operation of the Employer's business during
          the time of the funeral, in which case attendance at the funeral shall
          be granted on the basis of the order in which the requests were made.

9.4.1     Funeral Leave. When a Regular Full-Time Employee on the active payroll
          --------------
          is absent from work for the purpose of arranging for or attending the
          funeral of a member of his or her immediate family as defined below,
          the Employer shall pay him or her for eight (8) hours at his or her
          regular rate of pay for each day of such absence up to a maximum of
          three (3) days provided:

9.4.2     The employee notifies the Employer of the purpose of his or her
          absence on the first day of such absence;

9.4.3     The absence occurs on the day during which the employee would have
          worked but for the absence;

9.4.4     The day of absence is not later than the day of such funeral except
          where substantial travel time is required. 

9.5       Proof of Relationship. The employee, when requested, furnish proof
          ----------------------
          satisfactory to the Employer of the death, his or her relationship to
          the deceased, the date of the funeral, and the employee's actual
          attendance at such funeral. For the purpose of this Agreement, a
          member of the immediate family means the

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
          employee's spouse, child, mother, father, sister, brother, mother-in-
          law, father-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren, step-parents and 
          step-children.

                               SECTION 10. WAGES
                               -----------------

10.1      SAUSAGE MAKERS:
          ---------------

               4/01/98        4/01/99        4/01/00        4/01/01

               (+25c)         (+25c)         (+25c)         (+25c)

               $13.80         $14.05         $14.30         $14.55

10.2      PRODUCTION SPECIALIST:
          ----------------------

               4/01/98        4/01/99        4/01/00        4/01/01

               $11.00         $11.25         $11.50         $11.75

10.3      PRODUCTION/SANITATION WORKERS:
          ------------------------------
          Effective April 1, 1998

          1st  6 months  $7.00 per hour        6th  6 months  $ 8.50 per hour
          2nd  6 months  $7.50 per hour        7th  6 months  $ 9.00 per hour
          3rd  6 months  $7.75 per hour        8th  6 months  $ 9.25 per hour
          4th  6 months  $8.00 per hour        9th  6 months  $ 9.50 per hour
          5th  6 months  $8.25 per hour        10th 6 months  $10.00 per hour  

          Effective April 1st of each year, all current employees paid at the
          top of or over the scale shall receive a 25c per hour, per year 
          increase above their current wage rate.

10.3.1    ROTATION WORKERS:
          -----------------

          1st  6 months  $7.50 per hour        6th  6 months  $ 9.00 per hour
          2nd  6 months  $8.00 per hour        7th  6 months  $ 9.50 per hour
          3rd  6 months  $8.25 per hour        8th  6 months  $ 9.75 per hour
          4th  6 months  $8.50 per hour        9th  6 months  $10.00 per hour
          5th  6 months  $8.75 per hour        10th 6 months  $10.50 per hour

10.3.2    MAINTENANCE WORKERS:
          --------------------

          1st  6 months  $10.00 per hour       6th  6 months  $11.25 per hour
          2nd  6 months  $10.25 per hour       7th  6 months  $11.50 per hour
          3rd  6 months  $10.50 per hour       8th  6 months  $11.75 per hour
          4th  6 months  $10.75 per hour       9th  6 months  $12.00 per hour
          5th  6 months  $11.00 per hour       10th 6 months  $12.50 per hour  

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
          Foreperson.         75 cents per hour above Classification Rate
          -----------
     
          Second Shift        30 cents per hour above Classification Rate

          Third Shift         35 cents per hour above Classification Rate

          Leadperson          50 cents per hour above Classification Rate

          It is also specifically agreed that all employees receiving above
          scale rates will maintain such rates and also be eligible for any
          scheduled wage increase.

10.3.3    "Workshare" Program. The Employer agrees to provide for continued
           -------------------
          participation by the Employer in the California Economic Development
          Department "Workshare" program.

10.4      Records. The Employer agrees to keep records of time worked by all
          --------
          employees in such a manner as is prescribed by the applicable
          provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, whether or not that Act
          actually applies to the Employer. Every Employer shall install a time
          clock for the purpose of keeping accurate records of the hours worked
          by each employee. Upon request, the Employer shall permit the Union to
          examine the payroll records of the employees in the bargaining unit at
          reasonable times during the regular scheduled working hours.

10.5      Bonus Payments. The Employer shall pay to each Regular Employee on the
          ---------------
          first pay period following April 1, 1998, a bonus not to exceed 50 
          cents per hour of all straight time hours compensated in addition to
          wages but subject to payroll taxes. The schedule for the payment of
          such bonuses is as follows:

          July         1998      January      2000      July         2000
          October      1998      April        2000      October      2000
          January      1999      July         2000      January      2001/2002
          April        1999      October      2000      April        2001/2002
          July         1999      January      2000      July         2001
          October      1999      April        2000      October      2001

10.5.1    In all cases the bonuses will be prorated at $20.00 for each week, or
          portion thereof, worked for the thirteen (13) week period preceding
          the payments except for the provision in Section 12.1.1.

                      SECTION 11. SUPERANNUATED EMPLOYEES
                      -----------------------------------

11.       Any employee whose earning capacity is limited because of advance age
          or other handicaps that may interfere with his or her normal
          employment activities may

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
          be employed on suitable work at a wage agreed upon by the employee,
          the Employer and the Union.

                        SECTION 12. HEALTH AND WELFARE
                        ------------------------------

12.1      The Employer agrees to continue to make payments to UFCW Wholesale
          Health Trust Fund for the purpose of paying health and welfare
          benefits for eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

12.1.1    Contribution. Effective for hours worked in April 1998 and thereafter,
          -------------
          payable in May 1998, the employer will pay Two Dollars and forty-five
          cents ($2.45) per hour for all straight time hours worked or paid for
          each eligible employee. The Employer agrees to be signatory to the
          terms and conditions, including contributions rate set forth by the
          Trustees of the UFCW Wholesale Health and Welfare Plan for the term of
          this Agreement.

12.2      Contribution shall be made on all straight-time hours worked and/or
          compensated for. It is understood that the contributions required on
          behalf of any employee shall not exceed forty (40) hours per week or
          two thousand eighty (2080) hours in any calendar year. In order to
          qualify for health and welfare coverage, employees must work or be
          compensated for a minimum of eighty (80) straight-time hours per month
          in addition to meeting other eligibility requirements as established
          by the current plan of benefits.

12.3      The parties recognize and acknowledge that the regular and prompt
          payment of Employer contributions to the Fund is essential to the
          maintenance of the Health and Welfare Plan, and inasmuch as
          beneficiaries under this Plan are entitled to health and welfare
          benefits for the period of time that they may have worked while
          covered by the Plan even though contributions have not been paid on
          their behalf by the Employer, that it would be extremely difficult, if
          not impractical, to fix the actual expense and damage to the Fund and
          to the Health and Welfare Plan which would result from the failure of
          an individual Employer to pay such monthly contribution in full within
          the time period provided. Therefore, the amount of damage to the Fund
          and Health and Welfare Plan resulting from such failure shall be
          presumed to be the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) per
          delinquency, or ten percent (10%) of the amount of the contribution or
          contributions due whichever is greater, which amount shall become due
          and payable to the Fund as liquidated damages and not as a penalty,
          upon the day immediately following the date upon which the
          contribution became delinquent contribution or contributions, as well
          as any further sums permitted by law.

                                       16
<PAGE>
                            SECTION 13. SICK LEAVE 
                            ----------------------

13.1      Annual Allowance Effective April 1, 1988. All Regular Employees shall
          ----------------------------------------
          be entitled to two-thirds (2/3) of one (1) day of leave for every
          month in which eighty (80) hours (or more) are worked. Employees who
          work forty (40) or more hours per month, but less than eighty (80)
          hours per month, shall be given one-third (1/3) day credit for each
          such month. Unused sick and accident leave shall be cumulative to
          twenty (20) days on each anniversary year.

13.2      Sick Leave Pay. Sick leave shall commence with the first (1st) day of
          ---------------
          absence for sickness or accident except as prescribed in Section
          13.2.1. Sick leave shall always be paid for the first (1st) day of
          absence when the employee is hospitalized or when the first day of
          absence is the day following an injury incurred on the job for which
          the employee required medical treatment. A day's sick and accident
          benefits shall mean a day's pay at the rate in effect at the time the
          employee qualifies to receive the sick and accident benefits, and may
          actually be spread over more than one (1) day to integrate with other
          payments contemplated in Section 13.3.

13.2.1    Employees who receive a verbal warning because of six (6) absences
          shall lose the right to sick leave on the first day of absence and
          shall only be able to collect sick leave on the second day of absence.
          The collection of sick leave on the second day shall stay in effect
          until the employees have maintained their record at five (5) or less
          absences in a twelve (12) month period at which time the employee
          shall then be eligible for first (1st) day absence sick leave.

13.3      Integration with Worker's Compensation or Unemployment Disability
          -----------------------------------------------------------------
          Insurance. An employee who is collecting unemployment compensation
          ----------
          disability benefits, or workers' compensation temporary disability
          benefits, or both, shall not receive sick and accident benefits as
          provided herein; provided, however, if such unemployment compensation
          disability benefits or workmen's compensation temporary disability
          benefits, or both are less than the amount of the sick and accident
          benefits provided herein for such period; such employee shall receive
          sick and accident benefits in addition to such unemployment
          compensation disability benefits or workers' compensation temporary
          disability, or both, in an amount sufficient to equal the amount of
          sick and accident benefits he or she would have otherwise received as
          provided herein. All sickness and accident benefit payments due under
          this Section shall be payable on the employee's regular pay period.

13.4      Proof of Illness. The Employer shall reserve the right to request the
          -----------------
          employee to produce a medical doctor's certificate verifying the fact
          of such illness. An employee may be excused from the requirement to
          provide medical verification of illness provided the following
          criteria are met:

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
13.4.1    The absence does not exceed two (2) days including any Holiday which
          is the day before or after the day of absence.

13.4.2    Upon request, the employee signs a statement stating he or she was
          unable to work because of illness which did not require medical
          attention and that any false statement will be grounds for
          disciplinary action. The employee and/or doctor must check in at not
          more than two (2) week intervals with the Company when an employee is
          out on an illness in order to protect his or her rights under Section
          17.

13.4.3    The employee calls his or her supervisor no later than the regular
          starting time on the day of each such absence stating the reasons for
          the absence.

13.5      Job Injury. An employee who is injured on the job and does not
          -----------
          complete that day's work or is otherwise not permitted to return to
          work, shall receive pay for the entire work day and such pay shall not
          be charged against sick leave or accident leave; provided, the
          employee is sent home or is otherwise not permitted to work by a
          medical doctor, chiropractor or osteopath on the approved list of the
          insurance carrier of the individual company.

13.6      Medical Appointments. Visits to the doctor or dentist shall not
          ---------------------
          qualify the employee for sick leave pay. Whenever possible,
          appointments by reason of illness or non-compensable injury shall be
          made outside of working hours. Where such appointments must be made
          during working hours, the employee shall apply to the Employer, in
          writing, at least two (2) working days prior to his or her appointment
          date for unpaid time off to keep such an appointment. Time not worked
          by an employee because of visits to a doctor for an industrial injury
          shall be paid by the Employer at the employee's applicable rate to
          pay. Emergency appointments shall not be subject to the two (2) day
          rule.

13.7      Accumulation. An employee who has accumulated twenty (20) days sick
          -------------
          leave with his current Employer shall be paid in cash by the Employer
          the amount of any unused sick leave accumulated over twenty (20) days
          on each anniversary year. On termination of employment, an employee
          may apply to his or her last Employer for cash payout of all unused
          sick leave accumulated with that Employer. No employee who has begun a
          scheduled vacation, may convert the time off to sick leave instead of
          vacation because of illness incurred after the vacation began.

13.8      Bonus Payment on Worker's Compensation. The Employer will agree that
          ---------------------------------------
          employees off the job due to a bona fide industrial injury shall have
          such time off considered as credited straight-time hours for the
          purpose of the Bonus calculation under the Collective Bargaining
          Agreement.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 

                   SECTION 14. PENSIONS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS
                   -----------------------------------------

14.1.1    Contributions. Effective for April 1, 1998, the Company will
          --------------
          contribute the sum of One Dollar and Twenty-five cents ($1.25) per 
          hour worked or paid for, exclusive of overtime hours, for each
          individual employed under this Agreement to an I.R.A. (Simplified
          Employee Pension). Contributions will be made at year end. The parties
          agree that the contributions to the I.R.A. shall be made no later than
          January 31, of the year following the earned credit.

14.1.2    The employer agrees that in the event that an employee terminates
          anytime prior to year end they shall be eligible for pension
          contribution earned and payable at year end as per Section 14.1.1. For
          the purpose of this Section, each hour, other than overtime hours, for
          which payment is made to an employee, shall be deemed to be an hour
          worked.

14.2      Waiting Period. Effective April 1, 1988, Pensions/Retirement Benefits
          ---------------
          contributions shall commence after six (6) months of employment for
          new employees in the industry. For the purpose of this Section, each
          hour, other than overtime hours, for which payment is made to an
          employee, shall be deemed to be an hour worked.

                             SECTION 15. JURY DUTY
                             ---------------------

15.1      Benefit. An employee who is summoned and reports for jury duty shall
          --------
          receive the difference between jury pay and his or her regular daily
          rate of pay for each day for which he or she reported for jury duty
          and/or orientation and on which he or she would normally have worked.

15.2      Return to Work. Day shift employees called for jury duty or
          ---------------
          examination and excused by the court prior to 12:00 Noon shall return
          to work for the balance of their day shift and shall be paid for the
          difference between jury pay or examination pay, if any, and their
          straight-time lost. Night or swing shift employees called for jury
          duty or examination and excused by the court prior to noon shall
          report for their regular night shift or swing shift work and shall not
          be eligible for any jury pay under this Section. Night or swing shift
          employees shall not be required to serve on jury duty in the same day
          time and work night shift or swing shift on the same calendar day, but
          shall receive the difference between their jury pay and their regular
          shift pay lost.

15.3      Proof of Attendance. Employees will present proof of service,
          --------------------
          including time served and amount of pay received.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
                         SECTION 16. GENERAL BENEFITS
                         ----------------------------

16.1      All uniforms, caps, gowns, aprons, with reasonable limited laundry
          service, oilskin aprons, rubber aprons, rubber boots, knives, steels,
          whetstones and hoods and other tools of same shall be furnished free
          of cost to all employees, who use them in the performance of their
          work and the Employer shall keep the same dressed, sharpened and
          otherwise in proper order without cost to the employee.

16.2      Computing Overtime. Paid absences from work, such as vacations,
          -------------------
          Holidays and sick leave, shall be considered as time worked for the
          purpose of this Agreement but shall not be deemed as time worked for
          the purpose of computing overtime.

16.3      Company Meetings. Time spent in mandatory company meetings called by
          -----------------
          the Employer, before or after the day's work, shall be considered as
          time worked and shall be paid for in accordance with the provisions of
          this Agreement.

16.4      Minimum Wage/Benefits. No employee receiving wages, other benefits or
          ----------------------
          privileges either above the minimum herein or not provided for herein
          shall have such benefits or privileges taken away by reason of any
          provisions of this Agreement. The Employer agrees that no employee
          shall be compelled or allowed to enter into any individual contract or
          agreement with his or her Employer concerning wages, hours or work
          and/or working conditions that provide benefits less than the terms
          and provision of this Agreement. Where the basis for amounts paid over
          the wage rated provided for in Section 10 have specifically set forth
          in writing to the employee, they may be discontinued when the reason
          for their payment ceases to exist and the employee has been so advised
          in writing with a copy to the Union.

16.5      Hand Trucks. The Employer shall provide hand trucks and hooks to those
          ------------
          employees who use them in the performance of their work. Where the
          Employer provides facilities to lock up the hand truck, the employee
          shall be held responsible for it.

                             SECTION 17. SENIORITY
                             ---------------------

17.1      Posting. Where a higher wage rate position becomes open, the Employer
          --------
          agrees to post notice of such job opening and further agrees to
          consider (up to three (3) qualifying) employees who apply for such
          opening, based upon their seniority, attendance, attitude and work
          performance. However, in order for an employee to be eligible for the
          job, application must be made in writing within two (2) working days
          following posting of the notice. Jobs will be posted according to job
          title and as commonly known. Employees shall be given a fair trial for
          all jobs open in the unit. The Employer may promote employees to
          Working Forepersons without jeopardizing their former rating.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
17.2      Acquisition of Seniority. There shall be a forty-five (45) work day
          -------------------------
          probationary period for all new employees, during which time they may
          be discharged for any reason. Following completion of such period the
          employee shall become a Regular Employee for all purposes under this
          Agreement and his or her seniority shall date from the first (1st) day
          of employment. Seniority shall be applicable among probationary
          employees as a group when an issue of seniority arises between two (2)
          or more probationary employees.

17.3      Termination of Seniority. Subject to the provision of this Agreement
          -------------------------
          seniority shall be based upon continuous service with the Employer but
          no employee shall suffer loss of seniority unless he or she:

17.3.1    Is discharged for cause;

17.3.2    Resigns or voluntarily quits;

17.3.3    Is absent from work for six (6) consecutive months, except in cases of
          approved leaves of absence;

17.3.4    Is absent from work for twenty-four (24) consecutive months due to
          injury or illness on or off the job;

17.3.5    Is absent from work for more than thirty (30) days due to death in the
          immediate family (as defined in Section 9) or otherwise;

17.3.6    Fails to return to work within three (3) days after receipt of notice
          of recall from layoff as provided in Section 17.7 hereof.

17.4      Application of Seniority. Seniority shall be by classification
          -------------------------
          throughout the Employer's plant, unless the Employer and the Union
          agree that seniority is by classification within designated
          departments of the Employer's plant.

17.5      Layoff/Recall. In the reduction of the number of employees due to lack
          --------------
          of work, the last employee hired in the classification shall be the
          first to be laid off and, in recalling, the last employee laid off in
          that classification shall be the first recalled until the list of
          employees previously laid off has been exhausted. The Employer shall
          give written notice of layoff to the employee and the employee shall
          provide the Employer with his or her current address and telephone
          number at the time of layoffs, and the employee is to keep the
          Employer advised of any change in address. The Employer agrees that
          Regular Employees laid off and not terminated for cause, as defined in
          Section 4, shall have seniority rights on layoffs, rehiring for extra
          and/or steady jobs subsequently available with the Employer prior to
          the hiring of any new employees.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
17.6      Notification of Recall. When an employee is recalled to return to work
          -----------------------
          after layoff and he or she cannot be reached by telephone, the
          Employer shall notify the employee of such recall either by telegram
          or certified letter addressed to his or her last known address
          appearing in the Employer's records and a copy of such communication
          shall be sent to the Union.

17.7      Reporting After Recall. When an employee is recalled after layoff, he
          -----------------------
          or she shall have three (3) business days to report after receipt of
          such recall. If after three (3) such telegram or certified letter is
          returned to the Employer unclaimed or undeliverable, such employee's
          seniority shall be considered broken and all rights forfeited three
          (3) business days after the date such telegram or certified letter
          would have been received. An employee who is recalled from layoff and
          who, at the time of recall, is working for another Employer in the
          meat industry, shall have sufficient time to complete the work week in
          his or her other employment before reporting on the recall so long as
          he or she so informs the Employer who is calling him or her.

17.8      Notice of Return. Employees who are absent from work over forty-eight
          -----------------
          (48) hours shall be required to give the Employer twenty-four (24)
          hours notice of their intention to work.

17.9      Seniority List. A seniority list of all employees in the bargaining
          ---------------
          until will be posted in the Plant and a copy will be given to the
          Union. Such seniority list shall be revised and brought up-to-date
          every six (6) months and a revised copy shall be furnished to the
          Union.

17.10     Effect of Leave on Seniority. An employee who accepts employment
          -----------------------------
          elsewhere while on personal leave of absence from his or her Employer
          shall forfeit his or her seniority rights and he or she shall be
          considered as a voluntary quit. When a personal leave of absence is
          granted to an employee by the Employer, a written notice shall be
          given to evidence such an arrangement. The Employer will abide by the
          provisions of the Selective Service Act as amended and interpreted or
          other applicable legislation governing reinstatement rights of
          employees entering service under such legislation.

                     SECTION 18. GRIEVANCE AND ARBITRATION
                     -------------------------------------

18.1      Grievances. A grievance shall be defined as a matter of dispute which
          -----------
          arises over the interpretation and application of any of the Sections
          of this Agreement.

18.1.1    Any matter of dispute shall be addressed directly by the Union with
          the Employer or by the Employer with the Union and a settlement
          attempted.

18.1.2    If the dispute is not settled directly, the grievance shall be
          referred to the other

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
          party, in writing, specifying the complaint and setting forth the
          facts on which the grievance is based and the Contract provision
          violated. The written grievance must by filed by certified mail or in
          person within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the occurrence of
          the dispute, or knowledge thereof, whichever is later.

18.1.3    Unless extended by mutual agreement, an Adjustment Board Hearing shall
          be held within ten (10) calendar days of the date the grievance was
          filed, provided however, the parties must have met and attempted to
          resolve the grievance before any hearing can be convened.

          The right to an Adjustment Board Hearing or arbitration is lost if the
          grieving party fails to follow these steps.

18.1.4    An Adjustment Board shall be established and convened for the purpose
          of hearing and deciding grievances. The Adjustment Board (Board) shall
          consist of two (2) representatives of the Union and two (2)
          representatives of the Employer. The Board shall meet within two (2)
          weeks of such notification and requests, unless the time is mutually
          extended. In any proceeding before the Adjustment Board, the Employer
          shall be represented by an Employer representative and the Union
          member involved shall be represented by the Union. Proceedings before
          the Board shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of procedure
          adopted by the Union and the Employer. A majority decision reached by
          the Board shall be final and binding on all parties. In the event that
          any matter submitted to the Board cannot be settled within five (5)
          business days, excluding Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, (unless the
          time is mutually extended) the parties may choose an impartial
          arbitrator, and the grievance shall be submitted for disposition to
          the Arbitrator, whose decision shall be final and binding on all
          parties, provided the moving party requests arbitration within ten
          (10) business days from the date the Adjustment Board met, otherwise
          the right to arbitration is lost. The parties will request a bench
          decision from the arbitrator at the close of the arbitration hearing.
          In the event that the parties cannot agree upon the selection of the
          impartial arbitrator within five (5) business days, exclusive of
          Saturday, Sunday and holidays, the matter is submitted shall then be
          referred to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service for a list
          of arbitrators.

18.2      Authority. Neither the Adjustment Board nor an Arbitrator shall have
          ----------
          the authority or power to add to, alter or amend the terms and
          provisions of this Agreement.

18.3      Expenses. The compensation of the Arbitrator and all expenses incurred
          ---------
          by the Arbitrator and any expense incidental to the work of the
          Adjustment Board and authorized it, shall be borne one-half (1/2) by
          the Union and one-half (1/2) by the Employer, provided, however, that
          this shall not be deemed to include any cost or expense of
          presentation by either of the parties to the dispute.

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
18.4      Money Claims. A claim of any employee for payment of any additional
          -------------
          compensation or sum due under the terms of this Agreement shall not go
          beyond a thirty (30) day period, unless notified within ten (10) days
          of the pay period when such claimed sums should have been paid.

                           SECTION 19. UNION AFFAIRS
                           -------------------------

19.1      Union Visitation. Only authorized representative of the Union shall be
          -----------------
          allowed to visit the places of business of the Employer which are
          covered by the Agreement for the purpose of observing working
          conditions and to confirm that the Agreement is being followed, so
          long as the representative has first informed management that he/she
          is on the premises. The visitation right shall be exercised so that
          employees are not interrupted.

19.2      Union Activity. No employee shall be discriminated against for
          ---------------
          membership in or legal activity on behalf of the Union.

19.3      Union Shop Card. The Union Shop Card is the property of the United
          ----------------
          Food and Commercial Workers, AFL-CIO & CLC and is loaned for display
          to the Employer who signs and abides by this Agreement. The Union Shop
          Card can and may be removed from any establishment by the Secretary or
          Union Representatives of the Union for any violation of this
          Agreement. The Union Shop Card shall be displayed prominently and
          visible to the public.

19.4      Check-Off. The Company, for its employees shall for the duration of
          ----------
          this Agreement between the parties deduct from the first pay of each
          month union dues for the current month, and promptly remit same to the
          Union. The initiation fees of the union shall be deducted by the
          Company and remitted to the Union in the same manner as dues
          collections. No deduction, either for dues or initiation fees, shall
          be made by the Employer unless specifically authorized by the
          individual employee by signed authorization card.

19.5      Stewards. Stewards may be designated by the Union.
          ---------

19.6      Bulletin Boards. The Employer and the Union shall jointly provide and
          ----------------
          share a glassed in and lockable bulletin board in the employee's lunch
          room for the purpose of posting notices of official Union business and
          other information, such as times and places of meetings.

                   SECTION 20. WORKING CONDITIONS AND SAFETY
                   -----------------------------------------

20.1      First Aid Equipment. The Employer shall be responsible for the
          --------------------
          installation and maintenance of first aid equipment, and it shall be
          kept throughout the Plant in places readily and conveniently
          accessible to the employees. 

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
20.2      Floor Covering/Protective Clothing. A suitable floor covering shall be
          ----------------------------------
          provided so that no employee shall need to stand or traverse any
          limited work area on concrete or concrete substitute flooring. The
          Employer shall furnish mesh gloves and protective aprons for all
          employees who use a knife in the performance of their work. Such
          equipment and hard hats where furnished by the Employer, shall be worn
          by the employees. Where the employees wear cotton gloves on the job,
          the Employer will provide them at no expense to the employees so long
          as they are treated with care and benefit is not abused.
          
20.3      Governmental Regulations. All sanitary and safety regulations of
          ------------------------
          Federal, State and Local governments shall prevail in all departments.
          Failure to follow such regulations shall be considered insubordination
          subject to disciplinary action.
          
20.4      Injurious Working Conditions. Pasteur-Ray lamps or other working
          ----------------------------
          conditions which are injurious to the health and safety of the
          employees shall be directed to the attention of the Employer at which
          time the Employer shall immediately investigate the alleged condition,
          shall meet with representatives of the Union to discuss the alleged
          condition and shall immediately take the necessary steps and measures
          to correct such condition if found to be injurious.

20.5      Efficient Operations. Policy regarding speed of operation shall be
          --------------------
          made on the basis of fairness and equity, consistent with quality of
          workmanship, efficiency of operations, and the reasonable working
          capacity of normal operation. Any dispute which may arise with respect
          to work loans shall be subject to the Grievance Procedure under
          Section 18 of this Agreement.


                           SECTION 21. JOB SECURITY
                           ------------------------

21.       New Methods of Operation. The parties to the Agreement have discussed
          ------------------------
          new methods of operation and subcontracting of work being performed by
          bargaining unit employees and agree that both parties shall discuss
          the effects of additional new methods of operation and subcontracting
          on job security of the employees and will work at that end. When
          additional subcontracting of any existing operation or new method of
          operation becomes necessary or desirable the Employer will notify the
          Union. The Union shall discuss the effects on the job security of the
          employees and the parties will meet for the purpose. The Employer
          agrees to delay layoffs caused by subcontracting or new method of
          operation until at least thirty (30) days subsequent to its notice to
          the union of its intention so that the parties have ample time to
          suggest methods of solving layoff problems. The Employer shall furnish
          the Union facts and suggestions with request to jobs available in the
          Employer's Plant and methods of solving layoff problems.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
                           SECTION 22. SEPARABILITY
                           ------------------------

22.       The provisions of the Agreement are deemed to be separable to the
          extent that if and when a court of last resort adjudges any provisions
          of this Agreement in its application between the Union and the
          undersigned Employer to be in conflict with any law, such decision
          shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this
          Agreement, but such remaining provisions shall continue in full force
          and effect, provided further, that in the event any provision or
          provisions are so declared to be in conflict with law, both parties
          shall meet within thirty (30) days for the purpose of re-negotiation
          and agreement on provision or provisions so invalidated.

                       SECTION 23. TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP
                       ---------------------------------

23.       In the event of change of ownership of the operation, whether it be
          voluntary, involuntary, or by operation of law, the Employer will
          immediately pay off all obligations, including accumulated wages, pro-
          rata of earned vacations, sick and accident contributions, accumulated
          prior to the date of the change of ownership. If any Owner or Employer
          hereunder sells, leases or transfers his or her business or any part
          thereof, whether voluntary, involuntary or by operation of law, it
          shall be his or her obligation to advise the successor, lessee or
          transferee of the existence of this Agreement and such successor,
          lessee or transferee shall be bound fully by the terms of this
          Agreement and shall be obligated to pay the wages, vacations, sick and
          accident contributions and comply with all other conditions of this
          Agreement in effect at the time of the sale, lease or transfer; and in
          the event the seller or transferror fails to pay his obligations
          hereunder, shall assume all obligations of this Agreement in the place
          and stead of the Employer signatory thereto the same as if her or she
          had been the Owner or Employer from the beginning.


          Before completion of any such transfer, the Employer shall give
          written notice to the buyer, with a copy to the Union, of the
          existence of this Agreement, furnishing him or her with a copy of this
          Agreement and call his or her attention particularly to this Section
          concerning Transfer of Ownership.


                          SECTION 24. SAVINGS CLAUSE
                          --------------------------

24.       If any contract provision may not be put into effect because of
          applicable legislation, Executive order, or Regulations dealing with
          wage or price stabilization, then such provisions, or any part
          thereof, shall become effective at such time, in such amounts and for
          such periods as will be permitted by law at any time during the life
          of this Agreement and any extension thereof with prospective effect.

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
                              SECTION 25. DRIVERS
                              -------------------

25. 1     Protective Gowns. Drivers may be required to wear protective gowns
          ----------------
          which will be provided by the Employer. A driver who is required to
          handle product which causes excessive soil on the gown may request and
          the Employer shall provide a second gown and/or oilskin apron to give
          adequate protection to his clothes.

25.2      Overnight Trips. Drivers who are required to be out of town overnight
          ---------------
          in the interest of the Employer shall be paid all reasonable actual
          expenses for meals and lodging as substantiated with vouchers.

25.3      Night Depository. The Employer will provide a night depository or make
          ----------------
          other arrangements so that drivers will not be required to keep money
          collected overnight.


                       SECTION 26. NO STRIKE OR LOCKOUT
                       --------------------------------

26.       During the term of this Agreement there shall be no strikes, sympathy
          strikes, picketing or lockouts pending or following any decision by an
          Adjustment Board of Arbitrator, nor shall there be a stoppage of work
          in violation of any other provision of this Agreement. Nothing herein
          shall preclude the Union or its members from honoring lawful picket
          lines or strikes during the term of this Agreement.


                        SECTION 27. EXTENSION AND SCOPE
                        -------------------------------

27.       This Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors,
          administrators and assignees of the parties hereto. This Agreement
          shall remain in full force and effect from the First (1st) day of
          April 1, 1998 to and including the Thirty First (31) day of March
          31, 2002 and shall be automatically renewed from year-to-year
          thereafter unless either party, at least sixty (60) days prior to
          April 1, 2002, or at least sixty (60) days prior to April 1st of any
          succeeding term, shall notify the other party in writing of its
          intention and desire to change, modify or terminate

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
          this Agreement. In the event the Contract is reopened pursuant to the
          provision hereof, and no Agreement is reached within sixty (60) days
          of such reopening, then nothing herein contained shall be construed to
          prevent the Union from taking strike action or other economic action
          desired by it, or the Employer the right to lockout.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, have executed this Agreement on the
dates set forth below:


SWISS-AMERICAN SAUSAGE CO. INC.                UFCW LOCAL 101
- -------------------------------                --------------


/s/  SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE                         /s/  SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE   
- -------------------------------                -------------------------------- 
(Signature)                                    (Signature)        
                                               

         President                                      President
- --------------------------------               --------------------------------
(Title)                                        (Title)                         


          10/2/98                                        9-30-98
- --------------------------------               --------------------------------
(Date)                                         (Date) 


                                       28

<PAGE>
 
                            LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING

                                    between
                                    
                      SWISS-AMERICAN SAUSAGE COMPANY INC.
                      
                                      and

              UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS UNION LOCAL 101
              
                     APRIL 1, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002

1.        The parties agree that any employees currently in the Sausage Maker
          Apprenticeship Program shall continue to progress through the wage
          steps found in the previous Agreement.

1.1       The parties agree that all Production Workers "A" shall receive wages
          equal to the Sausage Maker classification.

2.        PLANT RELOCATION AND INCENTIVE PAY: The Union recognizes the
          ----------------------------------
          Employer's exclusive right to transfer work, relocate or close the
          plant; in whole or in part.

2.1       The Employer will provide the Union with a ninety (90) day notice
          prior to transfers of bargaining unit work, plant relocation, or plant
          closure. All bargaining unit employees shall be offered employment
          under the terms and conditions of the current Collective Bargaining
          Agreement in the new plant of the Employer.

3.        The employees who are permanently laid off as a direct result of plant
          closure, plant relocation, or transfer of bargaining unit work shall
          receive all wages due for hours of work performed during their last
          week of employment and shall receive pro-rata vacation pay pursuant to
          Section 8, unused accumulated sick leave pursuant to Section 14, and
          prorated bonus per Section 10 of the collective bargaining agreement.

3.2       Severance pay that is paid in accordance with paragraph (3.) above
          shall not be considered as extra-contractual earnings and shall not be
          considered as hours worked or compensable hours for any purpose such
          as vacation computation, holiday entitlement, health and welfare,
          pension, etc. All employees who are subject to permanent layoff shall
          not be denied unemployment benefits by any action of the Employer,
          regardless of whether the layoff is voluntary or forced.

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
          It is agreed that there shall be no denial of unemployment benefits by
          any action of the Employer for voluntary layoff by employees for up to
          six months for those who accept employment in the new facility.

3.3       Employees who are permanently laid off pursuant to this Section shall
          receive their final paycheck, including pro-rata vacation, accumulated
          unused holiday and sick leave, and their severance check at the time
          of their permanent layoff. The final check shall be calculated in
          forty (40) hour increments for taxation purposes.

3.4       The seniority and employment rights of employees who are permanently
          laid off pursuant to this Section shall be terminated as of the date
          of their permanent layoff. Permanently laid off employees who may
          subsequently be rehired shall be hired as new employees with a new
          seniority date at the new wage rate, but shall not be subject to
          delays in health and welfare, pension or holiday benefits.

3.5       Employees that are laid off as a result of a general decline in
          business and who retain recall rights shall be eligible for severance
          pay as outlined in this Section if the company institutes a permanent
          layoff.

3.6       The Employers agrees to pay an incentive payment of a net $250.00 per
          month or part thereof for up to two months to any employee on the
          payroll at the San Francisco facility who relocates to any new
          facility.

4.        This Section shall modify and supersede anything to the contrary
          elsewhere in this Labor Agreement. The parties agree that this Section
          shall govern and control any disputes that may arise with respect to
          the Employer's decisions to transfer work, relocate or close the
          plant, and any effects from the exercise of such rights on employees.

The terms and conditions of this Letter of Understanding shall be subject to a 
ratification of the members of Local 101 employed at Swiss-American Sausage 
Company.

SWISS-AMERICAN SAUSAGE CO. INC.                UFCW LOCAL 101
- -------------------------------                --------------


/s/  SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE                         /s/  SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE   
- -------------------------------                ------------------------------ 
(Signature)                                    (Signature)        
                                               

         President                                      President
- --------------------------------               --------------------------------
(Title)                                        (Title)                         


         10/2/98                                        9/30/98
- --------------------------------               --------------------------------
(Date)                                         (Date)

                                       30


<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.41
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                LOAN AGREEMENT
                                        


                                by and between



              CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY
                                        


                                      and



                              PROVENA FOODS INC.
                                        
                                        
                          Dated as of October 1, 1998



     All right, title and interest of the CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FINANCING AUTHORITY (the "Authority") in this Loan Agreement has been assigned
(except for amounts payable under Sections 4.02(b), 7.03, 9.02 and 9.03 hereof,
its right to receive notices, opinions and other documents required to be
delivered to the Authority hereunder and its rights to consent to certain
actions) to U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee")
pursuant to the Indenture of Trust, dated as of October 1, 1998, between the
Authority and the Trustee, and is subject to such assignment.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                               Page


                                              ARTICLE I

                                             DEFINITIONS


<S>                <C>                                                                          <C>
Section 1.01.       Definition of Terms..........................................................  2
Section 1.02.       Number and Gender............................................................  2
Section 1.03.       Articles, Sections, Etc......................................................  2

                                              ARTICLE II

                                            REPRESENTATIONS

Section 2.01.       Representations of the Authority.............................................  2
Section 2.02.       Representations of the Borrower..............................................  3
Section 2.03.       Registered Owners to Benefit.................................................  5

                                              ARTICLE III

                            CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT; ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS

Section 3.01.       Construction of the Project..................................................  5
Section 3.02.       Disbursements from the Project Fund and Costs of Issuance Fund...............  6
Section 3.03.       Establishment of Completion Date; Obligation of Borrower to Complete.........  6
Section 3.04.       Investment of Moneys in Funds................................................  7

                                              ARTICLE IV

                                LOAN OF PROCEEDS; REPAYMENT PROVISIONS

Section 4.01.       Loan of Bond Proceeds; Issuance of Bonds.....................................  7
Section 4.02.       Loan Repayments and Other Amounts Payable....................................  7
Section 4.03.       Purchase of Bonds............................................................  9
Section 4.04.       Unconditional Obligations....................................................  9
Section 4.05.       Assignment of Authority's Rights............................................. 10
Section 4.06.       Amounts Remaining in Funds................................................... 10
</TABLE> 

<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                  (continued)
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                               Page

                                              ARTICLE V

                                SPECIAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
<S>                 <C>                                                                          <C> 
Section 5.01.       Right of Access to the Project............................................... 10
Section 5.02.       The Borrower's Maintenance of its Existence.................................. 10
Section 5.03.       Records and Financial Statements of Borrower; Employment Practices........... 11
Section 5.04.       Insurance.................................................................... 12
Section 5.05.       Maintenance and Repair; Taxes; Utility and Other Charges..................... 12
Section 5.06.       Qualification in California.................................................. 12
Section 5.07.       Alternate Credit Facility.................................................... 13
Section 5.08.       Letter of Credit............................................................. 13
Section 5.09.       Covenants of the Borrower.................................................... 14
Section 5.10.       Capital Expenditures......................................................... 17
Section 5.11.       Special Arbitrage Certifications............................................. 18
Section 5.12.       Covenant to Enter into Agreement or Contract to Provide Ongoing Disclosure... 18
Section 5.13.       No Purchase of Bonds......................................................... 19

                                              ARTICLE VI

                        DAMAGE, DESTRUCTION AND CONDEMNATION; USE OF PROCEEDS

Section 6.01.       Obligation to Continue Payments.............................................. 19
Section 6.02.       Application of Net Proceeds.................................................. 19
Section 6.03.       Insufficiency of Net Proceeds................................................ 20
Section 6.04.       Damage to or Condemnation of Other Property.................................. 20

                                              ARTICLE VII

                                   LOAN DEFAULT EVENTS AND REMEDIES

Section 7.01.       Loan Default Events.......................................................... 20
Section 7.02.       Remedies on Default.......................................................... 21
Section 7.03.       Agreement to pay Attorneys' Fees and Expenses................................ 23
Section 7.04.       No Remedy Exclusive.......................................................... 23
Section 7.05.       Waivers...................................................................... 23
</TABLE> 

                                      ii

<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                  (continued)
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                               Page
                                                ARTICLE VIII

                                                 PREPAYMENT
<S>                 <C>                                                                           <C> 
Section 8.01.       Redemption of Bonds with Prepayment Moneys................................... 23
Section 8.02.       Options to Prepay Loan....................................................... 24
Section 8.03.       Mandatory Prepayment......................................................... 24
Section 8.04.       Amount of Prepayment......................................................... 25
Section 8.05.       Notice of Prepayment......................................................... 26

                                              ARTICLE IX

                         NON-LIABILITY OF AUTHORITY; EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION

Section 9.01.       Non-Liability of Authority................................................... 26
Section 9.02.       Expenses..................................................................... 26
Section 9.03.       Indemnification.............................................................. 26

                                              ARTICLE X

                                            MISCELLANEOUS

Section 10.01.      Notices...................................................................... 27
Section 10.02.      Severability................................................................. 28
Section 10.03.      Execution of Counterparts.................................................... 28
Section 10.04.      Amendments, Changes and Modifications........................................ 29
Section 10.05.      Governing Law................................................................ 29
Section 10.06.      Authorized Representative of the Borrower.................................... 29
Section 10.07.      Term of the Agreement........................................................ 29
Section 10.08.      Binding Effect............................................................... 29
Section 10.09.      References to Bank........................................................... 29
Section 10.10.      Brokerage Confirmations...................................................... 29

EXHIBIT A           THE PROJECT
</TABLE>

                                      iii

<PAGE>
 
                                LOAN AGREEMENT
                                        

     THIS LOAN AGREEMENT, dated as of October 1, 1998, between the CALIFORNIA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY, a body public and corporate, and a
public instrumentality of the State of California (the "Authority"), and PROVENA
FOODS INC., a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of
the State of California (the "Borrower").

                             W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, the Authority was established for the purpose of promoting and
encouraging commerce and industry, and generally to foster economic development
in the State of California (the "State") and is authorized to issue tax-exempt
revenue bonds to provide financing for private activity economic development
projects pursuant to the provisions of Section 15710 et seq. of the California
Government Code (constituting Part 10.2 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the
Government Code of the State of California, as now in effect) (the "Act"); and

     WHEREAS, in furtherance of the purposes of the Authority set forth above,
the Authority proposes to finance the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation,
equipping, installation, improvement and/or furnishing of the manufacturing
facilities described in Exhibit A hereto (the "Project") to be owned and
operated by the Borrower; and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the
Authority has authorized and undertaken the issuance of its California Economic
Development Financing Authority Variable Rate Demand Industrial Development
Revenue Bonds, Series 1998 (Provena Foods Inc. Project) (the "Bonds") in the
aggregate principal amount of Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000) to provide funds
to pay a portion of the cost of the Project and a portion of the costs of
issuance of the Bonds; and

     WHEREAS, the Authority proposes to loan the proceeds of the Bonds to the
Borrower, and the Borrower desires to borrow the proceeds of the Bonds upon the
terms and conditions set forth herein; and

     WHEREAS, for and in consideration of such loan, the Borrower agrees, inter
alia, to make loan payments sufficient to pay on the dates specified in Section
4.02 hereof, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, the Bonds; and

     WHEREAS, the Authority and the Borrower each has duly authorized the
execution and delivery of this Agreement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the material
covenants hereinafter contained, the parties hereto hereby formally covenant,
agree and bind themselves as follows:
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS

     Section 1.01.  Definition of Terms.  Unless otherwise defined herein or the
context otherwise requires, the terms used in this Agreement shall have the
meanings specified in Section 1.01 of the Indenture of Trust, dated as of
October 1, 1998 (the "Indenture"), by and between the Authority and U.S. Bank
Trust National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee"), as originally executed
or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended as provided therein.

     Section 1.02.  Number and Gender.  The singular form of any word used
herein, including the terms defined in Section 1.01 of the Indenture, shall
include the plural, and vice versa.  The use herein of a word of any gender
shall include all genders.

     Section 1.03.  Articles, Sections, Etc.  Unless otherwise specified,
references to Articles, Sections and other subdivisions in this Agreement are to
the designated Articles, Sections and other subdivisions of this Agreement as
amended from time to time.  The words "hereof," "herein," "hereunder" and words
of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole.  The headings or titles of
the several Articles and Sections, and the table of contents included herein,
shall be solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning,
construction or effect of the provisions hereof.

                                  ARTICLE II

                                REPRESENTATIONS

     Section 2.01.  Representations of the Authority.  The Authority makes the
following representations as the basis for its undertakings herein contained:

          (a)  The Authority is a body public and corporate, and a public
     instrumentality of the State. Under the provisions of the Act, the
     Authority has the power to enter into the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement and the Indenture and to carry out its obligations hereunder. By
     proper action, the Authority has been duly authorized to execute, deliver
     and duly perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Indenture.

          (b)  To finance the Costs of the Project and certain Costs of
     Issuance, the Authority will issue the Bonds, which will mature, bear
     interest and be subject to redemption as set forth in the Indenture.

          (c)  The Bonds will be issued under and secured by the Indenture,
     pursuant to which the Authority's interest in this Agreement (except
     certain rights of the Authority to payment for expenses and
     indemnification) will be pledged and assigned to the Trustee as security
     for payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds
     and to the Bank, on a basis subordinate thereto, as security for the
     payment of the obligations of the Borrower under the Reimbursement
     Agreement.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
          (d)  The Authority has not pledged and will not pledge its interest in
     this Agreement for any purpose other than to secure the Bonds under the
     Indenture and the obligations of the Borrower under the Reimbursement
     Agreement.

          (e)  The Authority is not in default under any of the provisions of
     the laws of the State which default would affect its existence or its
     powers referred to in subsection (a) of this Section.

          (f)  The Authority has found and determined and hereby finds and
     determines that (i) the Loan to be made hereunder with the proceeds of the
     Bonds will promote the purposes of the Act by providing funds to finance
     the Construction of the Project; and (ii) said Loan is in the public
     interest, serves the public purposes and meets the requirements of the Act.

          (g)  No member, officer or other official of the Authority has any
     financial interest whatsoever in the Borrower or in the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement and the Indenture.

          (h)  Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
     Indenture, the Purchase Contract or the Tax Regulatory Agreement, the
     consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor the
     fulfillment of or compliance with the terms and conditions of this
     Agreement, the Indenture, the Purchase Contract or the Tax Regulatory
     Agreement, conflict with or result in a breach of any of the terms,
     conditions or provisions of any restriction or any agreement or instrument
     to which the Authority is now a party or by which it is bound or constitute
     a default under any of the foregoing or result in the creation or
     imposition of any prohibited lien, charge or encumbrance of any nature
     whatsoever upon any of the property or assets of the Authority under the
     terms of any instrument or agreement.

     Section 2.02.  Representations of the Borrower.  The Borrower makes the
following representations as the basis for its undertakings herein contained:

          (a)  The Borrower is a corporation, duly organized, validly existing
     and in good standing under the laws of the State and is duly qualified to
     transact business in the State, is not in violation of any provision of any
     of the Borrower's Organization Documents, has full power and authority to
     enter into this Agreement, and has duly authorized the execution and
     delivery of this Agreement by proper action.

          (b)  The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this
     Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement, the Remarketing Agreement, the Tax
     Regulatory Agreement and all other documents contemplated hereby to be
     executed by the Borrower are within the Borrower's power and have been duly
     authorized by all necessary action, and neither the execution and delivery
     of this Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement, the Remarketing Agreement
     or the Tax Regulatory Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated hereby and thereby, nor the fulfillment of or compliance with
     the terms and conditions hereof and thereof, conflicts with or results in a
     breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     of the Borrower's Organization Documents, or of any law, statute, rule,
     regulation, order, judgment, award, injunction, or decree or of any
     material agreement or instrument to which the Borrower is now a party or by
     which it is bound or affected, or constitutes a default (or would
     constitute a default with due notice or the passage of time or both) under
     any of the foregoing, or results in or requires the creation or imposition
     of any prohibited lien, charge or encumbrance whatsoever upon any of the
     property or assets of the Borrower under the terms of any instrument or
     agreement to which the Borrower is now a party or by which it is bound.

          (c)  The estimated Costs of the Project to be paid with the proceeds
     of the Bonds are as set forth in the Tax Regulatory Agreement and have been
     determined in accordance with sound engineering, construction, and
     accounting principles. All the information and representations in the Tax
     Regulatory Agreement are true and correct as of the date thereof.

          (d)  The Project consists and will consist of those facilities
     described in Exhibit A and the Borrower shall not make any changes to the
     Project or to the operation thereof which would affect the qualification of
     the Project under the Act or would cause interest on the Bonds not to be
     Tax-exempt. The Borrower intends to own and operate the Project. The
     Borrower covenants and agrees to operate or cause the operation of the
     Project as a facility described by the Act until the principal of, the
     premium, if any, and the interest on the Bonds shall have been paid.

          (e)  The Borrower has and will have title to the Project sufficient to
     carry out the purposes of this Agreement.

          (f)  At the time of submission of an application to the Authority for
     financial assistance in connection with the Project and on the dates on
     which action was taken on such application, permanent financing for the
     Project had not otherwise been obtained or arranged.

          (g)  To the best knowledge of the Borrower, no member, officer or
     other official of the Authority has any financial interest whatsoever in
     the Borrower or in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

          (h)  All certificates, approvals, permits and authorizations with
     respect to the Construction of the Project of the State, the City of
     Lathrop, California, the federal government and other applicable local
     governmental agencies have been obtained, or if not yet obtained, are
     reasonably expected to be obtained in due course. The Project will be
     consistent with any existing local or regional comprehensive plan.

          (i)  No event has occurred and no condition exists which would
     constitute a Loan Default Event or which, with the passing of time or with
     the giving of notice or both, would constitute a Loan Default Event.

          (j)  There is no litigation or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge
     of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower which could adversely
     affect the validity of

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     this Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement, the Remarketing Agreement or
     the Tax Regulatory Agreement or the ability of the Borrower to comply with
     the terms of its obligations under this Agreement, the Reimbursement
     Agreement, the Remarketing Agreement or the Tax Regulatory Agreement.

          (k)  No consent, authorization or approval, except such consents,
     authorizations or approvals as have been obtained prior to the execution
     and delivery of this Agreement, from any governmental, public or quasi-
     public body or authority of the United States or of the State or any
     department or subdivision thereof, is necessary for the due execution and
     delivery by the Borrower of this Agreement.

     Section 2.03.  Registered Owners to Benefit.  The Borrower agrees that this
Agreement is executed in part to induce the purchase by others of the Bonds.
Accordingly, all covenants and agreements on the part of the Borrower set forth
in this Agreement are hereby declared to be for the benefit of the Registered
Owners from time to time of such Bonds; provided, however, that such covenants
and agreements shall create no rights in any parties other than the Authority,
the Borrower, the Remarketing Agent, the Bank, the Trustee, the Tender Agent and
such Registered Owners.

                                  ARTICLE III

              CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT; ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS

     Section 3.01.  Construction of the Project.  The Borrower agrees that,
utilizing the proceeds of the Bonds loaned pursuant to Section 4.01 hereof and
such other funds as may be necessary, it has or will Construct, or has or will
cause the Construction of, the Project, and has or will acquire, rehabilitate,
equip, construct and install all other facilities and real and personal property
necessary for the operation of the Project as described in the Borrower's
application to the Authority for assistance in financing the Project,
substantially in accordance with the plans and specifications prepared therefor
by the Borrower, including any and all supplements, amendments, additions or
deletions thereto or therefrom, it being understood that the approval of the
Authority shall not be required for changes in such plans and specifications
which do not alter the purpose or description of the Project as set forth in
Exhibit A hereto.  The Borrower further agrees to proceed with due diligence to
complete the Project within three years from the date hereof.

          In the event that the Borrower desires to modify the Project in a
manner which alters the purpose or description of the Project as set forth in
Exhibit A hereto, such modification shall be undertaken only upon an amendment
to Exhibit A which shall accurately set forth the description and purpose of the
Project as so modified and which amendment to Exhibit A shall become effective
(without the written consent of the Registered Owners) upon receipt by the
Authority and the Trustee of:

          (a)  a certificate of the Authorized Representative of the Borrower
     describing in detail the proposed changes and stating that they will not
     have the effect of disqualifying the Project as a facility that may be
     financed pursuant to the Act nor

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     reduce the employment benefits described in the Borrower's application to
     the Authority for assistance in financing the Project;

          (b)  an Opinion of Bond Counsel that the proposed changes to the
     Project will not have the effect of disqualifying the Project as a facility
     that may be financed pursuant to the Act or cause interest on the Bonds not
     to be Tax-exempt;

          (c)  a copy of the proposed form of amended or supplemented Exhibit A
     hereto; and

          (d)  the written approval of the Bank and the Trustee.

     Section 3.02.  Disbursements from the Project Fund and Costs of Issuance
Fund.  The Borrower will authorize and direct the Trustee, upon compliance with
Section 3.03 of the Indenture, to disburse the moneys in the Project Fund to or
on behalf of the Borrower only for payment of Costs of the Project.  Each of the
payments from the Project Fund referred to in this Section shall be made upon
receipt by the Trustee of a written Requisition in the form prescribed by
Section 3.03 of the Indenture, signed by an Authorized Representative of the
Borrower accompanied by the written approval of the Bank.  The Trustee may, upon
satisfaction by the Borrower of the conditions set forth in Section 3.03(b) of
the Indenture, pay each Requisition without the written approval of the Bank
unless the Trustee has received written notice from the Bank that the payment of
any subsequent Requisition requires the Bank's written approval.

     Moneys in the Costs of Issuance Fund shall be disbursed by the Trustee
as provided in Section 3.03(e) of the Indenture to pay Costs of Issuance.

     Section 3.03.  Establishment of Completion Date; Obligation of Borrower to
Complete.  As soon as the Construction of the Project is completed, an
Authorized Representative of the Borrower, on behalf of the Borrower, shall
evidence the completion date by providing a certificate to the Trustee, with a
copy to the Authority and the Bank, stating the Costs of the Project and further
stating that (a) Construction of the Project has been completed substantially in
accordance with the plans and specifications therefor, and all labor, services,
materials and supplies used in Construction have been paid for or stating the
amount required to be retained in the Project Fund to fully provide for any
disputed amounts, and (b) all other equipment and facilities for the operation
of the Project have been acquired, constructed and installed in accordance with
the plans and specifications therefor and all costs and expenses incurred in
connection therewith have been paid or provided for.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, such certificate may state that it is given without prejudice to any
rights of the Borrower against third parties.

     At the time such certificate is delivered to the Trustee, moneys
remaining in the Project Fund, including any earnings resulting from the
investment of such moneys, less an amount representing a reasonable retainage
determined by the Borrower, shall be used as provided in Section 3.03(d) of the
Indenture.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     In the event the moneys in the Project Fund available for payment of the
Costs of the Project should be insufficient to pay the Costs of the Project in
full, the Borrower agrees to pay directly, or to deposit in the Project Fund
moneys sufficient to pay, any costs of completing the Construction of the
Project in excess of the moneys available for such purpose in the Project Fund,
or otherwise cause the Construction of the Project to be completed.  The
Authority makes no express or implied warranty that the moneys deposited in the
Project Fund and available for payment of the Costs of the Project under the
provisions of this Agreement will be sufficient to pay all the amounts which may
be incurred in connection with the Construction of the Project.  The Borrower
agrees that if, after exhaustion of the moneys in the Project Fund, the Borrower
should pay, or deposit moneys in the Project Fund for the payment of, any
portion of the Costs of the Project pursuant to the provisions of this Section,
it shall not be entitled to any reimbursement therefor from the Authority, the
Trustee or the Registered Owners of any of the Bonds, nor shall it be entitled
to any diminution of the amounts payable under Section 4.02 hereof.

     Section 3.04.  Investment of Moneys in Funds.  Any moneys in any fund held
by the Trustee shall, at the written request of an Authorized Representative of
the Borrower, but subject to the restrictions on investments contained in the
Indenture, the Tax Regulatory Agreement and applicable law in connection with
the Tax-exempt status of interest on the Bonds, be invested or reinvested by the
Trustee as provided in the Indenture.  Such investments shall be held by the
Trustee and shall be deemed at all times a part of the fund from which such
investments were made, and the interest accruing thereon, and any profit or loss
realized therefrom, shall be credited or charged as provided in Section 5.05 of
the Indenture.

                                  ARTICLE IV

                    LOAN OF PROCEEDS; REPAYMENT PROVISIONS

     Section 4.01.  Loan of Bond Proceeds; Issuance of Bonds.  The Authority
covenants and agrees, upon the terms and conditions in this Agreement, to loan
the proceeds of the sale of the Bonds to the Borrower for the purpose of
financing the Costs of the Project and the Costs of Issuance to the extent
permitted by the Indenture.  Pursuant to said covenant and agreement, the
Authority will issue the Bonds upon the terms and conditions contained in this
Agreement and the Indenture and will cause the Bond proceeds to be applied as
provided in Article III of the Indenture.  Subject to Section 3.02 of the
Indenture, such proceeds shall be disbursed to or on behalf of the Borrower as
provided in Section 3.02 hereof.  The Borrower hereby approves the Indenture,
the assignment thereunder to the Trustee of the right, title and interest of the
Authority (with certain exceptions) in this Agreement, and the issuance
thereunder by the Authority of the Bonds.

     Section 4.02.  Loan Repayments and Other Amounts Payable.

          (a)  On or before each Bond Payment Date, until the principal of,
     premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds shall have been fully paid or
     provision for such payment shall have been made as provided in the
     Indenture, the Borrower covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee as a
     Loan Repayment on the Loan made to the

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
     Borrower from Bond proceeds pursuant to Section 4.01 hereof, a sum equal to
     the amount payable on such Bond Payment Date as principal of, and premium,
     if any, and interest on the Bonds as provided in the Indenture.

          The Loan Repayments made pursuant to this subsection (a) shall at all
     times be sufficient to pay the total amount of interest and principal
     (whether at maturity or upon redemption or acceleration) and premium, if
     any, becoming due and payable on the Bonds on each Bond Payment Date;
     provided that any amount held by the Trustee in the Revenue Fund on the due
     date for a Loan Repayment pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph
     shall be credited against the Loan Repayment due on such date to the extent
     available for such purpose under the terms of the Indenture; and provided
     further that, subject to the provisions of this paragraph, if at any time
     the amounts held by the Trustee in the Revenue Fund are sufficient to pay
     all of the principal of and interest and premium, if any, on the Bonds as
     such payments become due, the Borrower shall be relieved of any obligation
     to make any further Loan Repayments under the provisions of this Section.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, if on any date the amount held by the
     Trustee in the Revenue Fund is insufficient to make any required payments
     of principal of (whether at maturity or upon redemption or acceleration)
     and interest and premium, if any, on the Bonds as such payments become due,
     the Borrower, immediately upon receipt of notice of such deficiency from
     the Trustee, shall forthwith pay such deficiency as a Loan Repayment
     hereunder.

          The obligation of the Borrower to make any payment under this
     subsection (a) shall be deemed to have been satisfied to the extent of any
     corresponding payment made by the Bank to the Trustee as a result of a
     drawing under the Letter of Credit.  To the extent the Trustee receives a
     Loan Repayment from the Borrower pursuant to this subsection (a) after any
     payment obligation hereunder has been satisfied by a drawing under the
     Letter of Credit, the Trustee shall promptly use such Loan Repayment to
     reimburse the Bank for such drawing or if the Bank has been reimbursed
     directly by the Borrower such funds shall be returned to the Borrower.

          (b)  The Borrower covenants and agrees to pay until the principal of,
     premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds shall have been fully paid or
     provision for such payment shall have been made as provided in the
     Indenture, (i) the Trustee's reasonable annual fee for its ordinary
     services rendered as trustee, and its reasonable ordinary expenses incurred
     under the Indenture, as and when the same become due, (ii) the Trustee's
     reasonable fees, charges and expenses, as Bond Registrar, Tender Agent and
     Paying Agent, and the reasonable fees of any other paying agent for the
     Bonds as provided in the Indenture, as and when the same become due, (iii)
     the cost of providing any Bonds required to be provided pursuant to the
     Indenture, (iv) the reasonable fees of any rating agency then rating the
     Bonds required to maintain the rating on the Bonds, (v) the reasonable fees
     of the Remarketing Agent, and (vi) other necessary and ordinary
     administrative fees and expenses of the Authority. The Borrower covenants
     and agrees to make all payments for the expenses identified in (i) through
     (vi) above. In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay such extraordinary
     expenses incurred by the Trustee, the Tender Agent, the Remarketing Agent
     and the

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     Authority under the Indenture as and when the same become due.  The duties
     of the Borrower under this subsection (b) shall survive the termination of
     this Agreement and the termination and discharge of the Indenture.

          (c)  The Borrower also agrees to pay the fees and expenses of the Bank
     pursuant to the Reimbursement Agreement.

          (d)  In the event the Borrower should fail to make any of the payments
     required by subsections (a) through (c) of this Section, such payments
     shall continue as obligations of the Borrower until such amounts shall have
     been fully paid. Except as provided in the next sentence, the Borrower
     agrees to pay such amounts, together with interest thereon, from the date
     such payments were due until paid, to the extent permitted by law, at the
     rate of 10% per annum. With respect to amounts due the Bank, the Borrower
     agrees to pay such amounts together with interest thereon at the rates and
     times established pursuant to the Reimbursement Agreement. Interest on
     overdue payments required under subsection (a) above shall be paid to
     Registered Owners as provided in Section 2.02(b)(ii) of the Indenture.

     Section 4.03.  Purchase of Bonds.  The Borrower hereby recognizes and
agrees that the Indenture provides for the creation of an account or accounts to
facilitate the purchase of Bonds by the Tender Agent on the Mandatory Tender
Date and upon the optional tender of Bonds in accordance with Section 4.06 of
the Indenture, and the Borrower agrees to provide or cause to be provided the
Letter of Credit for the payment of amounts necessary to purchase such Bonds.

     Section 4.04.  Unconditional Obligations.  The obligations of the Borrower
to make the payments required by Section 4.02 hereof and to provide or cause to
be provided the Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 4.03 hereof, and to perform
and observe the other agreements on its part contained herein, shall be absolute
and unconditional, irrespective of any defense or any rights of set-off,
recoupment or counterclaim it might otherwise have against the Authority, and
during the term of this Agreement, the Borrower shall pay absolutely all
payments to be made on account of the Loan made to the Borrower from Bond
proceeds pursuant to Section 4.01 hereof, as prescribed in Section 4.02 hereof,
the obligation to provide or cause to be provided the Letter of Credit pursuant
to Section 4.03 hereof, and all other payments required hereunder, free of any
deductions and without abatement, diminution or set-off.  Until such time as the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds shall have been fully
paid, or provision for the payment thereof shall have been made as required by
the Indenture, the Borrower (a) will not suspend or discontinue any payments
required to be made by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement, including,
without limitation, the payments provided for in Section 4.02 hereof and the
obligation to provide or cause to be provided the Letter of Credit pursuant to
Section 4.03 hereof; (b) will perform and observe all of its other covenants
contained in this Agreement; and (c) except as provided in Article VIII hereof,
will not terminate this Agreement for any cause, including, without limitation,
failure to complete the Project, the occurrence of any act or circumstances that
may constitute failure of consideration, destruction of or damage to the
Project, commercial frustration of purpose, any change in the tax or other laws
of the United States of America or of the State, or any political subdivision of
either of these, or any failure of the Authority or the Trustee to perform and

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
observe any covenant, whether express or implied, or any duty, liability or
obligation arising out of or connected with this Agreement or the Indenture.

     Section 4.05.  Assignment of Authority's Rights.  As security for the
payment of the Bonds, the Authority will assign to the Trustee the Authority's
rights, title and interest under this Agreement, including the right to receive
payments hereunder (except the right of the Authority to receive certain
payments, if any, with respect to expenses and indemnification under Sections
4.02(b), 7.03, 9.02 and 9.03 hereof, the Authority's right to receive notices,
opinions and other documents required to be delivered to the Authority hereunder
and the Authority's rights to consent to certain actions taken hereunder), and
the Authority hereby directs the Borrower to make the payments required
hereunder (except such payments for expenses and indemnification) directly to
the Trustee as more fully set forth in this Agreement.  The Borrower hereby
assents to such assignment, agrees to make such payments directly to the Trustee
and agrees that the provisions of Section 4.04 hereof shall apply to its
obligation to make such payments.

     Section 4.06.  Amounts Remaining in Funds.  It is agreed by the parties
hereto that after: (a) payment in full of the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on, the Bonds, or after provision for such payment shall have been made
as provided in the Indenture, (b) payment, or provision for payment satisfactory
to the Trustee and paying agents, of the fees, charges and expenses of the
Trustee and paying agents in accordance with the Indenture, (c) payment, or
provision for payment satisfactory to the affected parties, of all other amounts
required to be paid under this Agreement and the Indenture by the Borrower and
(d) payment to the Bank of any amounts owed to the Bank by the Borrower under
the Reimbursement Agreement, any amounts remaining in any fund held by the
Trustee under the Indenture shall be paid in accordance with the requirements of
Section 10.04 of the Indenture.

                                   ARTICLE V

                       SPECIAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

     Section 5.01.  Right of Access to the Project.  The Borrower agrees that
during the term of this Agreement, the Authority, the Bank, the Trustee and the
duly authorized agents of any of them shall have the right, after reasonable
notice to the Borrower, at all reasonable times during normal business hours to
enter upon the site of the Project to examine and inspect the Project.  The
rights of access hereby reserved to the Trustee, and their respective agents,
may be exercised only after the Person seeking such access shall have executed
such confidentiality or secrecy agreements, if any, as may be requested by the
Borrower and which are in the form required of all visitors to the Project site.
Nothing contained in this Section or in any other provision of this Agreement
shall be construed to entitle the Authority or the Trustee to any information or
inspection involving the confidential knowledge, expertise or know-how of the
Borrower.

     Section 5.02.  The Borrower's Maintenance of its Existence.  The Borrower
covenants and agrees that it will maintain its existence and will not dissolve,
nor will it sell or otherwise transfer the Project or all or substantially all
of its assets, nor will it consolidate with or merge into another entity or
permit one or more other entities to consolidate with or merge

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
into it. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may, without violating the
covenants contained in this Section, consolidate with or merge into another
entity, or permit one or more other entities to consolidate with or merge into
it, or sell or otherwise transfer to another entity the Project or all or
substantially all of its assets as an entirety and thereafter dissolve, if:

          (a)  The surviving, resulting or transferee entity, as the case may
          be:

               (i)    assumes in writing, if such entity is not the Borrower,
          all of the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement;

               (ii)   is not, after such transaction, otherwise in default under
          any provisions of this Agreement; and

               (iii)  is qualified to do business in the State;

          (b)  The Trustee and the Authority shall have received an Opinion of
     Bond Counsel to the effect that such merger, consolidation, sale or other
     transfer will not cause interest on the Bonds not to be Tax-exempt; and

          (c)  The written consent of the Bank has been received by the Trustee,
     together with an acknowledgment that the Letter of Credit will remain in
     effect.

     If a merger, consolidation, sale or other transfer is effected, as provided
in this Section, the provisions of this Section shall continue in full force and
effect and no further merger, consolidation, sale or transfer shall be effected
except in accordance with the provisions of this Section.

     Section 5.03.  Records and Financial Statements of Borrower; Employment
Practices.

          (a)  The Borrower covenants and agrees at all times to keep, or cause
     to be kept, proper books of record and account, prepared in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles, in which complete and accurate
     entries shall be made of all transactions of or in relation to the
     business, properties and operations of the Borrower. Such books of record
     and account shall be available for inspection by the Authority or the
     Trustee, and the duly authorized agents of either of them, at reasonable
     hours and under reasonable circumstances.

          (b)  Upon the receipt of the written request of the Authority or the
     Trustee, the Borrower further covenants and agrees to furnish the
     requesting party, within 120 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, with
     copies of its complete financial statements together with a Certificate of
     an Authorized Representative of the Borrower stating that no event which
     constitutes a Loan Default Event or which with the giving of notice or the
     passage of time or both would constitute a Loan Default Event has occurred
     and is continuing as of the end of such Fiscal Year, or specifying the
     nature of such event and the actions taken and proposed to be taken by the
     Borrower to cure such default.

                                      11
<PAGE>
 
          (c)  The Borrower shall, within 60 days of the receipt of a written
     request from the Authority or the Trustee, furnish a written report to the
     requesting party, as of the end of the Borrower's prior Fiscal Year,
     stating the status of the Project, the outstanding and unpaid balance of
     the Bonds, the number of full-time and part-time employees of the Borrower
     employed at the Project during such prior Fiscal Year, and supplying such
     current information as the Authority shall reasonably request regarding
     other matters covered in the Borrower's application for industrial revenue
     bond financing.

     Section 5.04.  Insurance.  The Borrower agrees to insure the Project or
cause the Project to be insured during the term of this Agreement for such
amounts and for such  occurrences as are customary for similar facilities within
the State, or as may be required by the Bank, by means of policies issued by
reputable insurance companies qualified to do business in the State.  Upon the
written request of the Authority or the Trustee, the Borrower shall deliver to
the requesting party, within 60 days of the receipt of such request, memorandum
copies of the insurance policies or certificates of insurance which memorandum
copies of insurance policies or certificates of insurance shall evidence that
all insurance required to be in effect under this Section is then currently in
full force and effect.  The Trustee and the Authority are not responsible for
the adequacy or sufficiency of the coverage evidenced by such policies or
certificates.

     Section 5.05.  Maintenance and Repair; Taxes; Utility and Other Charges.
The Borrower agrees to maintain the Project, or cause the Project to be
maintained, during the term of this Agreement (a) in a safe condition and (b) in
good repair and in good operating condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted,
making from time to time all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and
replacements thereof.

     The Borrower agrees to pay or cause to be paid during the term of this
Agreement all taxes, governmental charges of any kind lawfully assessed or
levied upon the Project or any part thereof, including any taxes levied against
the Project which, if not paid, will become a charge on the Project, all utility
and other charges incurred in the operation, maintenance, use, occupancy and
upkeep of the Project and all assessments and charges lawfully made by any
governmental body for public improvements that may be secured by a lien on the
Project; provided that with respect to special assessments or other governmental
charges that may lawfully be paid in installments over a period of years, the
Borrower shall be obligated to pay only such installments as are required to be
paid during the term of this Agreement.  The Borrower may, at the Borrower's
expense and in the Borrower's name, in good faith, contest any such taxes,
assessments and other charges and, in the event of any such contest, may permit
the taxes, assessments or other charges so contested to remain unpaid during
that period of such contest and any appeal therefrom unless by such nonpayment
the Project or any part thereof will be subject to loss or forfeiture.

     Section 5.06.  Qualification in California.  The Borrower agrees that
throughout the term of this Agreement it and any lessee of the Project, if any,
will be qualified to do business in the State.

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
     Section 5.07.  Alternate Credit Facility.  If the Borrower exercises its
option to convert the interest rate borne by the Bonds from the Weekly Interest
Rate to the Fixed Interest Rate pursuant to the terms and provisions of the
Indenture, the Borrower may cause to be delivered to the Trustee an Alternate
Credit Facility, effective as of the Fixed Rate Date, in lieu of keeping the
Letter of Credit in place as required by Section 5.08 hereof.

     Such Alternate Credit Facility must meet the following conditions:

          (a)  the Alternate Credit Facility must be approved by the Authority
     or any successors;

          (b)  the terms of the Alternate Credit Facility must provide an
     unconditional obligation of the issuer of the Alternate Credit Facility to
     pay all amounts with respect to the principal of, premium, if any, and
     interest on the Bonds when the same shall become due; and

          (c)  the term of the Alternate Credit Facility must extend to the
     final maturity of the Bonds.

     On or prior to the date of the delivery of an Alternate Credit Facility to
the Trustee, the Borrower shall cause to be furnished to the Authority and the
Trustee (i) an Opinion of Bond Counsel stating that the delivery of such
Alternate Credit Facility to the Trustee is authorized under this Agreement and
complies with the terms hereof and will not cause interest on the Bonds not to
be Tax-exempt, (ii) such opinions regarding the validity of the Alternate Credit
Facility as the Authority, the Trustee and any rating agency then rating the
Bonds may  reasonably require, and (iii) written evidence from Moody's, if the
Bonds are then rated by Moody's, and S&P, if the Bonds are then rated by S&P, to
the effect that such rating agency has reviewed the proposed Alternate Credit
Facility and that the substitution of the proposed Alternate Credit Facility for
the Letter of Credit will not, by itself, result in a reduction of its long term
rating of the Bonds below "A" if the Bonds are rated by S&P or below "A2" if the
Bonds are rated by Moody's.

     Section 5.08.  Letter of Credit.  The Borrower shall at all times
throughout the term of this Agreement (but subject to Section 5.07 hereof)
maintain or cause to be maintained the Letter of Credit with respect to the
Bonds. The Letter of Credit shall be an obligation of the Bank to pay to the
Trustee, against presentation of sight drafts and certificates required by the
Bank, up to (a) an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds
then Outstanding as necessary to pay the principal of such Bonds, whether at
maturity, redemption, acceleration or otherwise or upon the purchase of such
Bonds upon the optional tender of the Bonds pursuant to Section 4.06 of the
Indenture and on the Mandatory Tender Date, and (b) an amount equal to 45 days
(or such other number of days as may be required to obtain a rating on the
Bonds) of interest on the Bonds calculated at an interest rate of 12% per annum
on the basis of a 365- or 366-day year, as applicable, for the number of days
actually elapsed while the Bonds bear interest at the Weekly Interest Rate and
an amount equal to 210 days (or such other number of days as may be required to
obtain a rating on the Bonds if the Bonds are then rated) of interest on the
Bonds calculated at the actual interest rate or rates on the Bonds on the basis
of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months while the Bonds bear interest at the
Fixed Interest Rate to pay interest on the Bonds when due.

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
     On any Interest Payment Date, the Borrower may, at its option, but with the
written approval of the Authority, which written approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld, provide or cause to be provided to the Trustee an
Alternate Letter of Credit and the Borrower shall, in any event, cause to be
delivered to the Trustee an extension of the Expiration Date of the Letter of
Credit or an Alternate Letter of Credit at least (a) 23 days before the
Expiration Date of the then-existing Letter of Credit while the Bonds bear
interest at the Weekly Interest Rate, or (b) 45 days before the Expiration Date
of the then existing Letter of Credit while the Bonds bear interest at the Fixed
Interest Rate.  At least 30 days prior to the Letter of Credit Substitution
Date, the Borrower shall provide the Authority, the Trustee, the Bank, the
Tender Agent and the Remarketing Agent with a written notice of its intention to
provide an Alternate Letter of Credit pursuant to this Section.  Such notice
shall include the proposed Letter of Credit Substitution Date, which shall be an
Interest Payment Date, and identify the provider of the Alternate Letter of
Credit.  An Alternate Letter of Credit shall be an irrevocable direct-pay letter
of credit or other irrevocable credit facility delivered to the Trustee on or
prior to 8:00 a.m. (California time) on the Letter of Credit Substitution Date,
issued by a commercial bank or other financial institution, the terms of which
shall in all material respects be the same as the Letter of Credit.  On or prior
to the date of the delivery of an Alternate Letter of Credit to the Trustee, the
Borrower shall cause to be furnished to the Authority and the Trustee (i) an
Opinion of Bond Counsel stating that the delivery of such Alternate Letter of
Credit to the Trustee is authorized pursuant to this Agreement, complies with
the terms hereof and will not cause the interest on the Bonds not to be Tax-
exempt, (ii) such opinions regarding the validity of the Alternate Letter of
Credit as the Authority, the Trustee and any rating agency then rating the Bonds
may reasonably require, and (iii) written evidence from Moody's, if the Bonds
are then rated by Moody's, and S&P, if the Bonds are then rated by S&P, to the
effect that such rating agency has reviewed the proposed Alternate Letter of
Credit and that the substitution of the proposed Alternate Letter of Credit will
not, by itself, result in a reduction of its long-term rating of the Bonds below
"A" if the Bonds are rated by S&P or below "A2" if the Bonds are rated by
Moody's.

     It is understood and agreed that with proper notification to the Trustee
and the Borrower, the Bank can declare that a default has occurred under the
Reimbursement Agreement with the Borrower and such default will cause a
mandatory redemption of Bonds pursuant to Section 4.01(g) of the Indenture.

     Section 5.09.  Covenants of the Borrower.  It is the intention of the
parties hereto that interest on the Bonds shall be and remain Tax-exempt so long
as the Bonds are Outstanding, and to that end the representations, covenants,
and agreements of the Authority and the Borrower in this Section and in Sections
5.10 and 5.11 hereof are for the benefit of the Trustee and each and every
Registered Owner of the Bonds. The Borrower represents, warrants and agrees as
follows:

          (a)  The Project consists, and at all times shall consist, of land or
     property which is subject to the allowance for depreciation provided in
     Section 167 of the Code, and substantially all (95% or more) of the
     proceeds of the Bonds including proceeds of investment thereof, shall be
     used to pay the Costs of the Project which are chargeable to the capital
     account of the Borrower, and which were paid not earlier than 60 days
     before January 28, 1998. The Borrower shall allocate the proceeds of the
     Bonds to the

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
     Costs of the Project no later than 18 months after the later of the date
     the original expenditure is paid or the date the Project is placed in
     service or abandoned, but in no event more than three years after the
     original expenditure is paid.

          (b)  No portion of the proceeds of the Bonds shall be used to provide
     for a private or commercial golf course, country club, massage parlor,
     tennis club, skating facility (including roller skating, skate board and
     ice skating), racquet sports facility (including any handball or
     racquetball court), hot tub facility, suntan facility, race track,
     automobile sales or service facility, retail food or beverage facility,
     entertainment facility, airplane, gambling establishment, health club,
     liquor store, skybox or luxury box.

          (c)  Less than 25% of the net proceeds of the Bonds (after Costs of
     Issuance) shall be used to purchase land or interests in land. The Borrower
     covenants to spend sufficient sums from the Project Fund on Costs of the
     Project to assure compliance with this covenant.

          (d)  No proceeds of the Bonds shall be used to acquire any personal
     property or facilities unless the first use of such property or facilities
     shall be pursuant to such acquisition, except that if the Project consists
     of acquisition of a building, the Borrower shall, within two years after
     the Date of Delivery or the date of acquisition of such building, whichever
     is earlier, expend an amount, from proceeds of the Bonds or otherwise,
     equal to 15% of the cost of acquiring such building financed with proceeds
     of the Bonds on rehabilitation costs of such building as required by
     Section 147(d) of the Code.

          (e)  During the three-year period following the date the Project is
     placed in service, the Borrower shall not allow any other Person to become
     a "test-period beneficiary" of the Bonds who is a beneficiary of industrial
     development bonds in an amount which would cause the issuance of the Bonds
     to exceed such Person's aggregate per-taxpayer limit under Section
     144(a)(10) of the Code.

          (f)  No agreement shall be entered into which would result in the
     payment of principal or interest on the Bonds being "federally guaranteed"
     within the meaning of Section 149(b) of the Code.

          (g)  There is no outstanding issue of industrial development bonds
     which was used to finance any facilities which, in relation to the Project,
     would constitute (i) a single building, (ii) an enclosed shopping mall, or
     (iii) a strip of offices, stores or warehouses using substantial common
     facilities.

          (h)  Subject to the provisions of the final paragraph of Section 5.10
     hereof, no actions shall be taken, or omitted to be taken, by the Borrower
     which would have the effect, directly or indirectly, of causing interest on
     any of the Bonds to not be Tax-exempt.

                                      15
<PAGE>
 
          (i)  No changes shall be made in the Project or the use of the Project
     which shall in any way impair the Tax-exempt status of interest on the
     Bonds.

          (j)  No use or investment of the proceeds of the Bonds or any acquired
     obligation shall be made which would cause the Bonds to become "arbitrage
     bonds" within the meaning of Section 148 of the Code and any Regulations
     thereunder, and the Borrower shall comply with the requirements of said
     Section of the Code and said Regulations, as the same may be amended from
     time to time, so long as any Bonds remain Outstanding.

          (k)  To use due diligence to cause the Project to be operated in all
     material respects in accordance with all applicable laws, rulings,
     regulations and ordinances.

          (l)  To comply in all material respects with all written conditions
     imposed by the Authority and any State or local agency in its approval of
     the Project.

          (m)  To fully and faithfully perform all the duties and obligations
     which the Authority has covenanted and agreed in the Indenture to cause the
     Borrower to perform and any duties and obligations which the Borrower is
     required in the Indenture to perform. The foregoing shall not apply to any
     duty or undertaking of the Authority which by its nature cannot be
     delegated or assigned.

          (n)  The rights, duties and obligations imposed on the Borrower
     pursuant to the Remarketing Agreement are hereby acknowledged, approved and
     accepted.

          (o)  To faithfully perform at all times any and all covenants,
     undertakings, stipulations and provisions to be observed or performed by
     the Borrower contained in the Indenture, in the Bonds, and in all
     proceedings of the Authority pertaining thereto, or otherwise required of
     the Borrower to be observed or performed, whether express or implied.

          (p)  To comply with the covenants and obligations of the Borrower
     contained in the Reimbursement Agreement.

          (q)  To use less than 25% of the net proceeds of the Bonds (after
     deducting Costs of Issuance) to provide facilities which are directly
     related and ancillary to the manufacturing facility being financed with the
     proceeds of the Bonds, in accordance with Section 144(a)(12)(C) of the
     Code.

          (r)  To not become a Registered Owner of the Bonds, and to not
     directly or indirectly purchase Bonds from the Remarketing Agent or permit
     any Related Party to directly or indirectly purchase Bonds from the
     Remarketing Agent.

     Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or the Indenture,
including in particular Article X of the Indenture, the obligations of the
Borrower and the Authority to comply with the covenants set forth in this
Section and Section 5.10 hereof shall survive the defeasance or payment in full
of the Bonds.

                                      16
<PAGE>
 
     Section 5.10.  Capital Expenditures.  For the purpose of this Section and
Section 5.09 hereof the following terms shall have the following meanings:

     "Facilities" shall mean those facilities described in Section 144(a)(1) of
the Code and Regulations thereunder, including Section 1.103-10(b)(2)(ii)(e) and
Section 1.103-10(d)(2) of the Regulations, and shall include those facilities
any Principal User of which is the Borrower or a related person, as defined in
Section 144(a)(3) of the Code, located in the Project Location, and any
contiguous or integrated facility treated as being located in the Project
Location by reason of the fact that such facility is located on both sides of a
border between the Project Location and one or more other political
jurisdictions.

     "Principal User" means any principal user of the Project as defined in
Proposed Treasury Regulations Section 1.103-10(h).

     "Project Location" shall mean the area within the City of Lathrop,
California.

     "Regulations" shall mean those regulations, whether now or hereafter
adopted, prepared by the United States Department of the Treasury with respect
to Section 103 or Part IV of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Code.

     "Section 144 Capital Expenditures" shall mean those expenditures required
to be taken into account with respect to the Bonds pursuant to Section 144(a)(1)
and (4) of the Code and Regulations thereunder, including Section 1.103-
10(b)(2)(ii) and (iii) of the Regulations, including any expenditure with
respect to Facilities, no  matter by whom made (regardless of how paid, whether
in cash, notes or stock in a taxable or nontaxable transaction), paid or
incurred during the six-year period beginning 3 years before the date of
issuance and delivery of the Bonds, which may, under any rule or election under
the Code, be treated as a capital expenditure (whether or not such expenditure
is so treated), and which is not paid or reimbursed out of the original
principal proceeds (exclusive of investment income) of the Bonds, but not
including excluded expenditures pursuant to Section 144(a)(4)(C) of the Code and
Regulations thereunder, including Section 1.103-10(b)(2)(iv) and (v) of the
Regulations.  Such term shall also include research and development costs
properly allocable to the Project no matter where paid or incurred, unless
specifically excluded by Section 144(a)(4)(C).

     The Borrower represents and warrants that substantially all of the proceeds
of the Bonds are to be used with respect to the Project to be located in the
Project Location; that there are no other outstanding obligations issued
subsequent to September 30, 1968, of any state, territory or possession of the
United States of America, or any political subdivision of the foregoing or of
the District of Columbia, the proceeds of which have been or are to be used
primarily with respect to Facilities; and that the sum of the principal amount
of the Bonds plus the amount of Section 144 Capital Expenditures for the three-
year period ending on the date of issuance and delivery of the Bonds does not
exceed $10,000,000.

     The Authority covenants and agrees that it has not taken and shall not take
any action which will cause interest on the Bonds to not be Tax-exempt.

     The Authority hereby elects to have the provisions of Section 144(a)(4)(A)
of the Code apply to the Bonds.  The Borrower covenants that it shall furnish to
the Authority prior to the

                                      17
<PAGE>
 
issuance and delivery of the Bonds whatever information is necessary for the
Authority to make such election.

     The Borrower further covenants that it shall take, and shall cause any
other Principal User to take, such further actions as are required of a
Principal User of property financed by an issue of obligations which are subject
to the $10,000,000 limitation of Section 144(a)(4)(A) of the Code, which actions
are set forth in Section 144(a)(4)(A) of the Code and in the Regulations,
including Section 1.103-10(b) of the Regulations.

     The Borrower further covenants and agrees, so long as any of the Bonds are
Outstanding under the Indenture, that the aggregate principal of Bonds being
issued plus the aggregate amount of Section 144 Capital Expenditures made or to
be made with respect to Facilities during the six-year period beginning three
years before the date of issuance and delivery of the Bonds shall not exceed
$10,000,000 (or any such larger amount as may be hereafter permitted by law).

     Notwithstanding anything in Section 5.09(h) hereof or in this Section to
the contrary, neither the Borrower nor the Authority shall have violated the
covenants contained in Section 5.09(h) hereof or in this Section if the interest
on any of the Bonds becomes taxable to a Person solely because such Person is a
"substantial user" of the Project or a "related person" within the meaning of
Section 147(a) of the Code; and none of the covenants and agreements herein
contained shall require either the Borrower or the Authority to enter an
appearance or intervene in any administrative, legislative or judicial
proceeding in connection with any changes in applicable laws, rules or
regulations or in connection with any decisions of any court or administrative
agency or other governmental body affecting the taxation of interest on the
Bonds.

     Section 5.11.  Special Arbitrage Certifications.

          (a)  The Authority hereby certifies to the Borrower (i) that it has
     not been notified of any listing or proposed listing of it by the Internal
     Revenue Service as a bond issuer whose arbitrage certifications may not be
     relied upon and (ii) that issuance of the Bonds will not violate any
     provisions of Section 103 of the Code, Section 148 of the Code, or the
     Regulations issued under such Sections of the Code, such that the interest
     on the Bonds is not Tax-exempt.

          (b)  The Borrower and the Authority agree to comply with the Tax
     Regulatory Agreement, as such Tax Regulatory Agreement shall be amended
     from time to time in order that interest on the Bonds remains Tax-exempt.
     The Borrower further agrees to cause any other Principal User (as defined
     in Section 5.10 hereof) of the Project to comply with the terms of this
     Loan Agreement and the Tax Regulatory Agreement to the extent necessary to
     insure that interest on the Bonds remains Tax-exempt.

     Section 5.12.  Covenant to Enter into Agreement or Contract to Provide
Ongoing Disclosure.The Borrower and the Authority hereby agree that the initial
offering and sale of the Bonds is exempt from the requirements of Paragraph
(b)(5)(i) of the Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c2-12 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR Part 240, (S) 240.15c2-12)
(the "Rule").  The Borrower hereby covenants and agrees

                                      18
<PAGE>
 
that if as a result of the conversion of the interest rate borne by the Bonds
from the Weekly Interest Rate to the Fixed Interest Rate or as a result of any
amendment to the Rule or any amendment or supplement to the Indenture or this
Agreement, the Bonds cease to be exempt under the Rule, the Borrower will enter
into an agreement or contract, constituting an undertaking, to provide ongoing
disclosure as may be necessary to comply with the Rule as then in effect. The
covenant and agreement contained in this Section is for the benefit of the
Registered Owners, any Participating Underwriter and the Beneficial Owners (as
defined in the Indenture) as required by the Rule. It is the Borrower's express
intention that this Section be assigned pursuant to and in accordance with
Section 6.09 of the Indenture to the Trustee for the benefit of the Registered
Owners, any Participating Underwriter and the Beneficial Owners and that each
Registered Owner, Participating Underwriter and Beneficial Owner be a
beneficiary of this Section with the right to enforce this Section against the
Borrower. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, failure of the
Borrower to comply with the provisions of this Section shall not be considered a
Loan Default Event; provided, however, the Trustee may (and, at the request of
any Participating Underwriter or the Registered Owners of at least 25% aggregate
principal amount in Outstanding Bonds, shall) or any Beneficial Owner may take
such actions as may be necessary and appropriate, including seeking specific
performance by court order, to cause the Borrower to comply with its obligations
under this Section.

     Section 5.13.  No Purchase of Bonds.  The Authority covenants and agrees
that it shall not become a Registered Owner of the Bonds and shall not directly
or indirectly purchase Bonds from the Remarketing Agent.

                                  ARTICLE VI

             DAMAGE, DESTRUCTION AND CONDEMNATION; USE OF PROCEEDS

     Section 6.01.  Obligation to Continue Payments. If prior to full payment of
the Bonds (or provision for payment thereof in accordance with the provisions of
the Indenture) (a) the Project or any portion thereof is destroyed (in whole or
in part) or is damaged by fire or other casualty, or (b) title to, or the
temporary use of, the Project or any portion thereof shall be taken under the
exercise of the power of eminent domain by any governmental body or by any
Person acting under governmental authority, the Borrower shall nevertheless be
obligated to continue to pay the amounts specified in Article IV hereof, to the
extent not prepaid in accordance with Article VIII hereof.

     Section 6.02.  Application of Net Proceeds.  The Borrower shall be entitled
to the Net Proceeds, if any, of any insurance or condemnation awards resulting
from the damage, destruction or condemnation of the Project or any portion
thereof for application as provided in this Section and in the Reimbursement
Agreement.  All Net Proceeds shall be deposited by the Borrower in an escrow
account with the Bank pursuant to the Reimbursement Agreement and shall be
applied in one or more of the following ways at the election of the Borrower,
with the written consent of the Bank, by written notice to the Authority and the
Trustee:

          (a)  The prompt repair, restoration, relocation, modification or
     improvement of the damaged, destroyed or condemned portion of the Project
     to enable such portion

                                      19
<PAGE>
 
     of the Project to accomplish at least the same function as such portion of
     the Project was designed to accomplish prior to such damage or destruction
     or exercise of such power of eminent domain. If the Borrower elects to
     proceed as provided in this subsection (a), it shall give the Authority and
     the Trustee written notice thereof, and evidence of the Bank's written
     consent, within 90 days of the deposit of the Net Proceeds with the Bank.
     Any balance of the Net Proceeds remaining after such work has been
     completed shall be deposited in the Revenue Fund to be applied, with the
     written consent of the Bank, to the payment of principal of and premium, if
     any, and interest on the Bonds, or, if the Bonds have been fully paid (or
     provision for payment thereof has been made in accordance with the
     provisions of the Indenture), any balance remaining in the Revenue Fund
     shall be paid in accordance with the requirements of Section 10.04 of the
     Indenture.

          (b)  The prepayment of all or a portion of the Loan in accordance with
     Article VIII hereof and redemption of Bonds. If the Borrower fails to give
     the notice and evidence of the Bank's written consent required by Section
     6.02(a) above within 90 days of the deposit of the Net Proceeds with the
     Bank, the Borrower shall be deemed to have elected to apply the Net
     Proceeds to the prepayment of all or a portion of the Loan as provided in
     this subsection (b) in accordance with Section 8.02(a) hereof, the Bank
     shall be deemed to have consented to such application, and the Authority
     and the Trustee shall be deemed to have received written notice thereof for
     purposes of this Section.

     Section 6.03.  Insufficiency of Net Proceeds.  If the Project or a portion
thereof is to be repaired, restored, relocated, modified or improved pursuant to
Section 6.02(a) hereof, and if the Net Proceeds are insufficient to pay in full
the cost of such repair, restoration, relocation, modification or improvement,
the Borrower will nonetheless complete the work or cause the work to be
completed and will pay or cause to be paid any cost thereof in excess of the
amount of the Net Proceeds held in escrow.

     Section 6.04.  Damage to or Condemnation of Other Property.  Subject to the
terms and provisions of the Reimbursement Agreement, the Borrower shall be
entitled to the Net Proceeds of any insurance or condemnation award or portion
thereof made for damages to or takings of its property not included in the
Project.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                       LOAN DEFAULT EVENTS AND REMEDIES

     Section 7.01.  Loan Default Events.  Any one of the following which occurs
and continues shall constitute a Loan Default Event:

          (a)  failure of the Borrower to pay any Loan Repayment when and as the
     same shall become due and payable pursuant to Section 4.02(a) hereof;

          (b)  failure of the Borrower to pay any amounts payable hereunder,
     other than Loan Repayments, when and as the same shall become due, which
     failure

                                      20
<PAGE>
 
     continues for a period of 30 days after written notice delivered to the
     Borrower and the Bank, which notice shall specify such failure and request
     that it be remedied, given by the Authority or the Trustee, unless the
     Authority and the Trustee shall agree in writing to an extension of such
     time;

          (c)  failure of the Borrower to observe and perform any covenant,
     condition or agreement on its part required to be observed or performed by
     this Agreement, other than a covenant described in subsection (a) or
     subsection (b) above or in Section 5.12 hereof, which failure continues for
     a period of 30 days after written notice delivered to the Borrower and the
     Bank, which notice shall specify such failure and request that it be
     remedied, given by the Authority or the Trustee, unless the Authority and
     the Trustee, with the written approval of the Bank, shall agree in writing
     to an extension of such time; provided, however, that if the failure stated
     in the notice cannot be corrected within such period, the Authority and the
     Trustee will not unreasonably withhold their consent to an extension of
     such time if corrective action is instituted within such period and
     diligently pursued until the default is corrected; or

          (d)  existence of an Event of Default under and as defined in Sections
     7.01(a) through (e) of the Indenture.

     The provisions of subsection (c) of this Section are subject to the
limitation that the Borrower shall not be deemed in default if and so long as
the Borrower is unable to carry out its agreements hereunder by reason of
strikes, lockouts or other industrial disturbances; acts of public enemies;
orders of any kind of the government of the United States or of the State or any
of their departments, agencies, or officials, or any civil or military
authority; insurrections, riots, epidemics, landslides; lightning; earthquake;
fire; hurricanes; storms; floods; washouts; droughts; arrests; restraint of
government and people; civil disturbances; explosions; breakage or accident to
machinery, transmission pipes or canals; partial or entire failure of utilities;
or any other cause or event (whether similar or dissimilar to the foregoing) not
reasonably within the control of the Borrower; it being agreed that the
settlement of strikes, lockouts and other industrial disturbances shall be
entirely within the discretion of the Borrower, and the Borrower shall not be
required to make settlement of strikes, lockouts and other industrial
disturbances by acceding to the demands of the opposing party or parties when
such course is, in the judgment of the Borrower, unfavorable to the Borrower.
This limitation shall not apply to any default under subsections (a), (b), or
(d) of this Section.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to
the contrary, so long as the Bank is not in default under the Letter of Credit,
the Trustee shall not without the prior written consent or direction of the Bank
exercise any remedies under this Agreement in the case of any Loan Default Event
described in subsections (a), (b), or (c) above.

     Section 7.02.  Remedies on Default. Subject to the last sentence of Section
7.01 above, whenever any Loan Default Event shall have occurred and shall be
continuing,

          (a)  The Trustee, by written notice to the Borrower and the Bank,
     shall declare all unpaid amounts payable under Section 4.02(a) hereof to be
     due and payable immediately, provided that concurrently with or prior to
     such notice the unpaid principal amount of the Bonds shall have been
     declared to be due and payable under the
<PAGE>
 
     Indenture. Upon any such declaration such amount shall become and shall be
     immediately due and payable in the amount set forth in Section 7.01 of the
     Indenture.

          (b)  The Trustee shall have access to and may inspect, examine and
     make copies of the books and records and any and all accounts, data and
     federal income tax and other tax returns of the Borrower.

          (c)  The Authority or the Trustee may take whatever action at law or
     in equity as may be necessary or desirable to collect the payments and
     other amounts then due and thereafter to become due or to enforce
     performance and observance of any obligation, agreement or covenant of the
     Borrower under this Agreement.

     In case the Trustee or the Authority shall have proceeded to enforce its
rights under this Agreement and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or
abandoned for any reason or shall have been determined adversely to the Trustee
or the Authority, then, and in every such case, the Borrower, the Trustee and
the Authority shall be restored respectively to their several positions and
rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Borrower, the
Trustee and the Authority shall continue as though no such action had been
taken.

     The Borrower covenants that, in case a Loan Default Event shall occur and
all unpaid amounts payable under Section 4.02(a) hereof shall have been declared
due and payable immediately pursuant to Section 7.02(a) hereof, then, upon
demand of the Trustee, the Borrower will pay to the Trustee the whole amount
that then shall have become due and payable under said Section, with interest on
the amount then overdue at the rate of 10% per annum until such amount has been
paid or, if ten percent is greater than the rate then permitted by law, at the
greatest rate then permitted.

     In case the Borrower shall fail forthwith to pay such amounts upon such
demand, the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered to institute any action or
proceeding at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid,
and may prosecute any such action or proceeding to judgment or final decree, and
may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Borrower and collect
in the manner provided by law the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable.

     In case proceedings shall be pending for the bankruptcy or for the
reorganization of the Borrower under the federal bankruptcy laws or any other
applicable law, or in case a receiver or trustee shall have been appointed for
the property of the Borrower or in the case of any other similar judicial
proceedings relative to the Borrower, or the creditors or property of the
Borrower, then the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in
such proceedings or otherwise, to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole
amount owing and unpaid pursuant to this Agreement and, in case of any judicial
proceedings, to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may
be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee allowed in
such judicial proceedings relative to the Borrower, its creditors or its
property, and to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or
deliverable on any such claims, and to distribute such amounts as provided in
the Indenture after the deduction of its reasonable charges and expenses.  Any
receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization is hereby
authorized to make such payments to the Trustee, and to pay to the

                                      22
<PAGE>
 
Trustee any amount due it for reasonable compensation and expenses, including
reasonable expenses and fees of counsel incurred by it up to the date of such
distribution.

     Section 7.03.  Agreement to pay Attorneys' Fees and Expenses.  In the event
the Borrower should default under any of the provisions of this Agreement,
whether or not such default constitutes a Loan Default Event hereunder, and the
Authority or the Trustee should employ attorneys or incur other expenses for the
collection of the payments due under this Agreement or the enforcement of
performance or observance of any obligation or agreement on the part of the
Borrower herein contained, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Authority or the
Trustee the reasonable fees and expenses of such attorneys and such other
reasonable expenses so incurred by the Authority or the Trustee.

     Section 7.04.  No Remedy Exclusive.  No remedy herein conferred upon or
reserved to the Authority or the Trustee is intended to be exclusive of any
other available remedy or remedies, but each and every such remedy shall be
cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given under this
Agreement or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute.  No
delay or omission to exercise any  right or power accruing upon any default
shall impair any such right or power or shall be construed to be a waiver
thereof, but any such right and power may be exercised from time to time and as
often as may be deemed expedient.  To entitle the Authority or the Trustee to
exercise any remedy reserved to it in this Article, it shall not be necessary to
give any notice, other than such notice as may be herein expressly required.
Such rights and remedies as are given the Authority hereunder shall also extend
to the Trustee, and the Trustee and the Registered Owners of the Bonds shall be
deemed third party beneficiaries of all covenants and agreements herein
contained.

     Section 7.05.  Waivers.  No delay or omission of the Authority or the
Trustee to exercise any right or power arising upon the occurrence of any
default shall impair any such right or power or shall be construed to be a
waiver of any such default or an acquiescence therein; and every power and
remedy given by this Agreement to the Authority or the Trustee may be exercised
from time to time and as often as may be deemed expedient.  In the event any
agreement or covenant contained in this Agreement should be breached by the
Borrower and thereafter waived by the Authority or the Trustee, such waiver
shall be limited to the particular breach so waived and shall not be deemed to
waive any other breach hereunder.

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                                  PREPAYMENT

     Section 8.01.  Redemption of Bonds with Prepayment Moneys. By virtue of the
assignment of the rights of the Authority under this Agreement to the Trustee as
is provided in Section 4.05 hereof, the Borrower agrees to and shall pay
directly to the Trustee any amount permitted or required to be paid by it under
this Article. The Indenture provides that the Trustee shall use the moneys so
paid to it by the Borrower, pursuant to the written instructions of the
Borrower, to redeem the Bonds on the date set for such redemption pursuant to
Section 8.05 hereof.

                                      23
<PAGE>
 
     Section 8.02.  Options to Prepay Loan.  The Borrower shall have the option
to prepay the Loan by paying to the Trustee the amount set forth in Section 8.04
hereof, for deposit in the Revenue Fund, to be applied to the redemption of
Bonds as set forth below on the earliest date such Bonds are subject to
redemption pursuant to the Indenture and as to which notice of redemption can be
given in accordance with the Indenture, at the redemption prices set forth
below, under the following circumstances:

          (a)  The Borrower may prepay such amounts in whole, and cause all of
     the Outstanding Bonds to be redeemed at the redemption price set forth in
     Section 4.01(e) of the Indenture, if any of the following shall have
     occurred:

               (i)    The Project shall have been damaged or destroyed, in whole
          or in part, by fire or other casualty and the Authority and the
          Trustee receive a Certificate of the Authorized Representative of the
          Borrower to the effect that: (A) it is not practicable or desirable to
          rebuild, repair or restore the Project within a period of six
          consecutive months following such damage or destruction, (B) the
          Borrower is or will be thereby prevented from carrying on its normal
          operations at the Project for a period of at least six consecutive
          months, or (C) the cost of restoration of the Project would
          substantially exceed the Net Proceeds of insurance carried thereon; or

               (ii)   Title to, or the temporary use of, all or substantially
          all of the Project shall have been taken by any governmental
          authority, or any Person acting under governmental authority,
          exercising the power of eminent domain and the Authority and the
          Trustee receive a Certificate of the Authorized Representative of the
          Borrower to the effect that: (A) the Borrower is thereby prevented
          from carrying on its normal operations at the Project for a period of
          at least six consecutive months or (B) the Project is unsuitable for
          use by the Borrower;

          (b)  The Borrower may prepay all or any part of the Loan from any
     available funds and cause all or any part of the Outstanding Bonds to be
     redeemed at the redemption prices set forth in Section 4.01(b) or 4.01(f)
     of the Indenture, as applicable, but subject to any additional requirements
     of the Reimbursement Agreement.

     Section 8.03.  Mandatory Prepayment.

          (a)  The Borrower shall have and hereby accepts the obligation to
     prepay in full the Loan by paying to the Trustee the amount set forth in
     Section 8.04 hereof for deposit to the Revenue Fund to be used to redeem
     all the Outstanding Bonds on the earliest date such Bonds are subject to
     redemption pursuant to the Indenture and as to which notice of the
     redemption can be given in accordance with the Indenture, at the redemption
     prices set forth in Section 4.01(e) of the Indenture with respect to
     subsection (i) below, Section 4.01(c) of the Indenture with respect to
     subsections (ii) and (iii) below, and in the Indenture Sections noted with
     respect to subsection (iv) below:

                                      24
<PAGE>
 
               (i)    if and when as a result of any changes in the Constitution
          of the United States of America or the California Constitution or as a
          result of any legislative, judicial or administrative action, this
          Agreement shall have become void or unenforceable or impossible of
          performance in accordance with the intention and purposes of the
          parties hereto, or shall have been declared unlawful;

               (ii)   if, due to the untruth or inaccuracy of any representation
          or warranty made by the Borrower herein or in connection with the
          offer and sale of the Bonds, or the breach of any covenant or warranty
          of the Borrower contained in this Agreement, interest on the Bonds, or
          any of them, is determined not to be Tax-exempt to the Registered
          Owners thereof (other than a Registered Owner who is a "substantial
          user" of the Project or a "related person" within the meaning of
          Section 147(a) of the Code) by a final administrative determination of
          the Internal Revenue Service or final judicial decision of a court of
          competent jurisdiction in a proceeding of which the Borrower received
          notice and was afforded an opportunity to participate in to the full
          extent permitted by law. A determination or decision will be
          considered final for this purpose when all periods for administrative
          and judicial review have expired;

               (iii)  if either: (A) the Borrower or any other Principal User of
          the Project files a notice with the Authority and the Trustee to the
          effect that the capital expenditure limitation of Section 144(a)(4) of
          the Code has been exceeded, or will be exceeded, within a period of 60
          days; or (B) there is a final determination (as defined in subsection
          (ii) above) by the Internal Revenue Service or a court of competent
          jurisdiction that such capital expenditures limitation has been
          exceeded; and

               (iv) if mandatory redemption is required by any of Sections
          4.01(d), (g), or (h) of the Indenture.

     The amount payable by the Borrower in the event of a prepayment required by
     this Section shall be determined as set forth in Section 8.04 hereof and
     shall be deposited in the Revenue Fund upon demand by the Authority or the
     Trustee.

          (b)  The Borrower shall prepay all or any part of the Loan from Net
     Proceeds under the circumstances described in Section 6.02(b) hereof, and
     cause all or any part of the Outstanding Bonds to be redeemed at the
     redemption price set forth in Section 4.01(e) of the Indenture.

     Section 8.04.  Amount of Prepayment.  In the case of a prepayment in full
of the Loan by the Borrower under this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.02 or
8.03 hereof, the amount to be paid shall be a sum sufficient, together with
other funds deposited with the Trustee and available for such purpose, to pay
(a) the redemption price specified in the applicable subsections of Section 8.02
or 8.03 hereof, for all Outstanding Bonds, plus all interest accrued and to
accrue to the redemption date, (b) all reasonable and necessary fees and

                                      25
<PAGE>
 
expenses of the Authority, the Trustee and any paying agent allowable pursuant
to this Agreement and the Indenture accrued and to accrue through final payment
of the Bonds and (c) all other liabilities of the Borrower accrued and to accrue
under this Agreement.

     In the case of partial prepayment of the Loan by the Borrower under this
Agreement pursuant to Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, the amount to be paid shall
be a sum sufficient, together with other funds deposited with the Trustee and
available for such purpose, to pay the redemption price specified in the
applicable subsections of Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, for the Bonds to be
redeemed, plus all interest accrued and to accrue to the redemption date, and to
pay expenses of redemption of such Bonds.  All partial prepayments of the Loan
made by the Borrower under this Agreement shall be applied in inverse order of
the due dates thereof, or as otherwise provided in the Indenture.

     Section 8.05.  Notice of Prepayment.  The Borrower shall give written
notice to the Authority, the Bank and the Trustee (a) while the Bonds bear
interest at the Weekly Interest Rate, not less than 20 days prior to the date of
any prepayment of a Loan Repayment and (b) while the Bonds bear interest at the
Fixed Interest Rate, not less than 40 days prior to the date of any prepayment
of a Loan Repayment, in each case specifying the date upon which any prepayment
will be made, the basis for such prepayment and the amount of such prepayment.
If the Borrower fails to give such notice of a prepayment of Loan Repayments,
the Indenture provides that the Trustee shall hold such prepayment in the
Redemption Fund.

                                  ARTICLE IX

             NON-LIABILITY OF AUTHORITY; EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION

     Section 9.01.  Non-Liability of Authority.  The Authority shall not be
obligated to pay the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Bonds,
except from Revenues.  The Borrower hereby acknowledges that the Authority's
sole source of moneys to repay the Bonds will be provided by the payments made
by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement, together with other Revenues,
including investment income on certain funds and accounts held by the Trustee
under the Indenture, and hereby agrees that if the payments to be made hereunder
shall ever prove insufficient to pay all principal of, and premium, if any, and
interest on the Bonds as the same shall become due (whether by maturity,
redemption, acceleration or otherwise), then upon notice from the Trustee, the
Borrower shall pay such amounts as are required from time to time to prevent any
deficiency or default in the payment of such principal, premium or interest,
including, but not limited to, any deficiency caused by acts, omissions,
nonfeasance or malfeasance on the part of the Trustee, the Borrower, the
Authority or any third party.

     Section 9.02.  Expenses.  The Borrower covenants and agrees to pay, and to
indemnify the Authority and the Trustee against, all costs and charges,
including reasonable fees and disbursements of attorneys, accountants,
consultants and other experts, incurred in good faith in connection with this
Agreement, the Bonds or the Indenture.

     Section 9.03.  Indemnification.  The Borrower releases the Authority, the
State, the Treasurer of the State and the Trustee from, and covenants and agrees
that none of the Authority, the State, the Treasurer of the State or the Trustee
shall be liable for, and covenants

                                      26
<PAGE>
 
and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Authority, the State, the
Treasurer of the State and the Trustee and their officers, employees and agents
from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses,
of every conceivable kind, character and nature whatsoever arising out of,
resulting from, or in any way connected with (a) the Project, or the conditions,
occupancy, use, possession, conduct or management of, or work done in or about,
or from the planning, design, acquisition, installation or construction of, the
Project or any part thereof; (b) the issuance of any Bonds or any certifications
or representations made in connection therewith by the Borrower and the carrying
out of any of the transactions contemplated by the Bonds, the Indenture, or this
Agreement; (c) the Trustee's acceptance or administration of the trusts under
the Indenture, or the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties
under the Indenture; or (d) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of
any material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading, in the official statement utilized by any
underwriter in connection with the sale or offering of any Bonds; provided that
in each case such indemnity shall not be required for damages that result from
the willful misconduct or negligence on the part of the party seeking such
indemnity. The indemnity required by this Section shall be only to the extent
that any loss sustained by the Authority or the Trustee exceeds the Net Proceeds
the Authority or the Trustee receives from any insurance carried by the Borrower
with respect to the loss sustained. The Borrower further covenants and agrees to
pay or to reimburse the Authority, the State, the Treasurer of the State and the
Trustee and their officers, employees and agents for any and all costs,
reasonable attorneys fees, liabilities or expenses incurred in connection with
investigating, defending against or otherwise in connection with any such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities, expenses or actions, except to the extent
that the same arise out of the willful misconduct or negligence of the party
claiming such payment or reimbursement. The provisions of this Section shall
survive the payment and retirement of the Bonds and the termination of this
Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE X

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

     Section 10.01.  Notices.  All notices, certificates, or other
communications given hereunder shall be deemed sufficiently given on (a) the day
such notices, certificates or other communications are received when sent by
personal delivery, including tested telex or facsimile communication, or (b) the
third day following the day on which the same have been mailed by first class,
postage prepaid, addressed to the Authority, the Borrower, the Trustee, the
Tender Agent or the Bank, as the case may be, at the address set forth for such
party below. A duplicate copy of each notice, certificate, or other
communication given hereunder by either the Authority or the Borrower to the
other shall also be given to the Trustee, the Tender Agent, Borrower's counsel
and the Bank. The Authority, the Borrower, the Trustee, the Tender Agent and the
Bank may, by notice given hereunder, designate any different addresses to which
subsequent notices, certificates, or other communications shall be sent.

                                      27
<PAGE>
 
If to the Authority:     California Economic Development Financing Authority c/o
                         California Trade and Commerce Agency
                         801 K Street, Suite 1700
                         Sacramento, California  95814
                         Attention:  Bond Manager
                         Phone: (916) 322-8520
                         Fax: (916) 322-7214
 
If to the Borrower:      Provena Foods Inc.
                         5010 Eucalyptus Avenue
                         Chino, California  91710
                         Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
                         Phone: (909) 627-1082
                         Fax: (909) 627-7315
 
If to the Trustee        U.S. Bank Trust National Association
 or Tender Agent:        One California Street, 4th Floor
                         San Francisco, California  94111
                         Attention:  Corporate Trust Department
                         Phone: (415) 273-4500
                         Fax: (415) 273-4590
 
If to the Bank:          Comerica Bank-California
                         333 West Santa Clara Street
                         San Jose, California  95113
                         Attention: Michael Archer
                         Phone: (408) 556-5361
                         Fax: (408) 556-5395
 
If to the Remarketing    Dain Rauscher Incorporated
Agent:                   2711 N. Haskell Avenue, Suite 2400
                         Dallas, Texas  75204
                         Attention:  Fixed Income Banking
                         Phone: (214) 989-1834
                         Fax:  (214) 989-1842

     Section 10.02.  Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be
held or deemed to be, or shall in fact be, illegal, inoperative or
unenforceable, the same shall not affect any other provision or provisions
herein contained or render the same invalid, inoperative, or unenforceable to
any extent whatever.

     Section 10.03.  Execution of Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed
in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which
shall constitute but one and the same instrument; provided, however, that for
purposes of perfecting a security interest in this Agreement by the Trustee and
the Bank under Article 9 of the California

                                      28
<PAGE>
 
Uniform Commercial Code, only the counterpart delivered, pledged, and assigned
to the Trustee shall be deemed the original.

     Section 10.04.  Amendments, Changes and Modifications. Except as otherwise
provided in this Agreement or the Indenture, subsequent to the initial issuance
of Bonds and prior to their payment in full, or provision for such payment
having been made as provided in the Indenture, this Agreement may not be
effectively amended, changed, modified, altered or terminated without the
written consent of the Trustee and the Bank.

     Section 10.05.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed
exclusively by and construed in accordance with the applicable laws of the State
as a contract executed and delivered within the State to be fully performed
within the State.

     Section 10.06.  Authorized Representative of the Borrower.  Whenever under
the provisions of this Agreement the approval of the Borrower is required or the
Authority or the Trustee is required to take some action at the request of the
Borrower, such approval or such request shall be given on behalf of the Borrower
by the Authorized Representative of the Borrower, and the Authority and the
Trustee shall be authorized to act on any such approval or request and neither
party hereto shall have any complaint against the other or against the Trustee
as a result of any such action taken.

     Section 10.07.  Term of the Agreement.  This Agreement shall be in full
force and effect from the date hereof and shall continue in effect as long as
any of the Bonds remain Outstanding or the Letter of Credit remains in effect,
whichever is later.  All representations and certifications by the Borrower as
to all matters affecting the Tax-exempt status of interest on the Bonds and all
indemnifications by the Borrower to the Authority, the State, the Treasurer of
the State or the Trustee shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

     Section 10.08.  Binding Effect.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of and shall be binding upon the Authority, the Borrower and their respective
successors and assigns; subject, however, to the limitations contained in
Section 5.02 hereof.

     Section 10.09.  References to Bank.  Notwithstanding any provisions
contained herein to the contrary, the Bank shall be entitled to take all actions
and exercise all rights hereunder for its own account so long as the Bank has
not wrongfully dishonored any drawings under the Letter of Credit and the Bank
is not in liquidation, bankruptcy or receivership proceedings. After the
expiration or termination of the Letter of Credit and after all obligations owed
to the Bank pursuant to the Reimbursement Agreement have been paid in full or
discharged, all references to the Bank contained herein shall be null and void
and of no further force and effect.

     Section 10.10.  Brokerage Confirmations.  The Borrower acknowledges that to
the extent regulations of the Comptroller of the Currency or other applicable
regulatory entity grant the Borrower the right to receive brokerage
confirmations of security transactions under the Indenture, the Borrower
specifically waives receipt of such confirmations to the extent permitted by
law. The Trustee is required under the Indenture to furnish the Borrower with

                                      29
<PAGE>
 
periodic cash transaction statements which include detail for all securities
transactions made by the Trustee on behalf of the Borrower thereunder.

                          [End of the Loan Agreement]

                                      30
<PAGE>
 
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the California Economic Development Financing
Authority has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and the Borrower
has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name, all as of the date first
above written.

                                                 CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC 
                                                 DEVELOPMENT FINANCING
                                                 AUTHORITY
 
 
                                                 By /s/ Christopher S. Holben
                                                    ----------------------------
                                                    Christopher S. Holben, Chair
ATTEST
 
 
 
By /s/ Blake Fowler
  -------------------------
  Blake Fowler, Secretary
                                                 PROVENA FOODS INC.
 
 
                                                 By /s/ Illegible Signature
                                                    ----------------------------
                                                    Authorized Signatory




                      [Signature Page to Loan Agreement]
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A

                                  THE PROJECT

     The Project consists of (a) the acquisition of real property located at the
Crossroads Commercial Industrial Park, Lathrop, California (the "Project Site")
and (b) the construction of an approximately 85,000-square-foot meat processing
facility at the Project Site.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.42

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             REMARKETING AGREEMENT
                                        

                                        
                                 by and between


                                        
                           DAIN RAUSCHER INCORPORATED
                                        

                                        
                                      and


                                        
                               PROVENA FOODS INC.
                                        

                                        

                                        
                          Dated as of October 1, 1998



                                        
                                   $4,000,000
              California Economic Development Financing Authority
                              Variable Rate Demand
                     Industrial Development Revenue Bonds,
                                  Series 1998
                          (Provena Foods Inc. Project)



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                             REMARKETING AGREEMENT
                                        



  THIS REMARKETING AGREEMENT (this "Remarketing Agreement"), dated as of October
1, 1998, by and between PROVENA FOODS INC., a California corporation (the
"Borrower") and DAIN RAUSCHER INCORPORATED (the "Remarketing Agent").


                              W I T N E S S E T H:


  WHEREAS, the California Economic Development Financing Authority (the
"Authority") has issued its Variable Rate Demand Industrial Development Revenue
Bonds, Series 1998 (Provena Foods Inc. Project) in the aggregate principal
amount of $4,000,000 (the "Bonds"), pursuant to that certain Indenture of Trust,
dated as of October 1, 1998 (the "Indenture"), by and between the Authority and
U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee"); and

  WHEREAS, to secure the payment of the principal of, interest on and purchase
price of the Bonds, Comerica Bank-California (the "Bank") has issued its
irrevocable direct pay letter of credit (the "Letter of Credit") to the Trustee;
and

  WHEREAS, the Bonds are subject to purchase upon notice and delivery to the
Tender Agent (as such term is defined in the Indenture) as provided in the
Indenture; and

  WHEREAS, the Remarketing Agent has been appointed (and the Remarketing Agent
by execution hereby accepts the appointment) as Remarketing Agent pursuant to
the Indenture; and

  WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Remarketing Agent desire to make additional
provisions regarding the Remarketing Agent's role as Remarketing Agent for the
Bonds.

  NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the covenants herein made, the
Borrower and the Remarketing Agent hereby agree as follows:

  Section 1.    Definitions.  All capitalized terms used in this Remarketing
Agreement which are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in the Indenture.

  Section 2.    Duties.

          (a) In reliance upon the representations and agreements, but subject
     to the terms and conditions contained in the Indenture and in this
     Remarketing Agreement, the Remarketing Agent has been appointed, and the
     Remarketing Agent hereby accepts such appointment, as exclusive remarketing
     agent in connection with the offering and sale of the Bonds from time to
     time in the secondary market subsequent to the initial offering, issuance
     and sale of the Bonds.
<PAGE>
 
          (b) It is understood and agreed that the Remarketing Agent's
     responsibilities hereunder and under the Indenture will include (i)
     exercising its best efforts in its sale of the Bonds (ii) effecting and
     processing such purchases, (iii) billing and receiving payment of Bond
     purchases, (iv) causing the proceeds from the secondary sale of the Bonds
     to be transferred to the Tender Agent, (v) determining the Fixed Interest
     Rate and the Weekly Interest Rates, and (vi) performing such other related
     functions as may be provided for in the Indenture of the Remarketing Agent
     or reasonably requested by the Borrower and agreed to by the Remarketing
     Agent.

          (c) The obligations of the Remarketing Agent hereunder and under the
     Indenture, with respect to the date on which the Bonds are to be remarketed
     pursuant to this Remarketing Agreement, are also subject to the further
     condition that on and prior to such date there shall not have been any
     change in the ownership of the Project except as permitted pursuant to the
     Agreement and the Indenture, the Indenture, the Agreement and the Letter of
     Credit shall be in full force and effect and shall not have been amended,
     modified or supplemented in any way which would materially and adversely
     affect the duties of the Remarketing Agent, except as may have been agreed
     to in writing by the Remarketing Agent, and there shall be in full force
     and effect such additional resolutions, agreements, certificates (including
     such certificates as may be required by regulations for the Internal
     Revenue Service in order to establish or preserve the tax-exempt character
     of interest on the Bonds) and opinions, which resolutions, agreements,
     certificates and opinions shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and
     substance to the Trustee, to the Authority, to the Bank and to counsel for
     the Remarketing Agent.

  The Remarketing Agent will perform the duties specified as Remarketing Agent
under the Indenture and this Remarketing Agreement.  In acting as Remarketing
Agent, the Remarketing Agent will act as agent and not as principal except as
expressly provided in this Section.

  The Remarketing Agent may, if it determines to do so in its sole discretion,
buy as principal any such Bonds but it will not in any event be obligated to do
so.

Section 3.    Disclosure Statement.

          (a) If the Remarketing Agent reasonably determines that it is
     necessary or desirable to amend or supplement the Official Statement (as
     defined below) or to use a new disclosure statement ("Disclosure
     Statement") in connection with its offering of the Bonds, the Remarketing
     Agent will notify the Borrower and the Borrower will provide, or cause to
     be provided to, the Remarketing Agent an amendment or supplement to the
     Official Statement or a new Disclosure Statement satisfactory to the
     Remarketing Agent and its counsel with respect to the Bonds. The Borrower
     will supply, or cause to be supplied to, the Remarketing Agent with such
     number of copies of the amendment or supplement to the Official Statement
     or the new Disclosure Statement and documents related thereto as the
     Remarketing Agent reasonably requests from time to time and will amend or
     supplement the Official Statement or the Disclosure Statement (and/or the
     documents incorporated by reference in it) so that at all times the
     Official Statement or 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     the Disclosure Statement and any documents related thereto will not contain
     any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
     necessary to make the statements in such documents, in the light of the
     circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. In addition, the
     Borrower will take all steps reasonably requested by the Remarketing Agent
     which the Remarketing Agent or its counsel may consider necessary or
     desirable to register the sale of the Bonds by the Remarketing Agent under
     any Federal or state securities law or to qualify the Indenture under the
     Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended and as then in effect (the "Trust
     Indenture Act"), and will provide the Remarketing Agent such officers'
     certificates, counsel opinions, accountants' letters and other documents as
     may be customary in similar transactions. If the Borrower does not perform
     its obligations under this Section, the Remarketing Agent may immediately
     cease to remarket the Bonds and, in such event, shall resign as Remarketing
     Agent as provided herein.

          (b) The Authority has previously prepared and delivered to the
     Remarketing Agent a copy of the Official Statement, dated October 6, 1998
     (the "Official Statement"), including financial and other information in
     respect of the Authority, the Borrower and the Bank. The Authority has
     authorized the use by the Remarketing Agent of the Official Statement in
     connection with the remarketing of Bonds.

     Section 4.    Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements of the
Remarketing Agent.  The Remarketing Agent, by its acceptance hereof, represents,
warrants, covenants and agrees with the Borrower as follows:

          (a) It is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
     having a capitalization of at least $15,000,000, otherwise meets the
     requirements for the Remarketing Agent set forth in the Indenture, is
     authorized by law to perform all duties imposed upon it by the Indenture
     and this Remarketing Agreement and has full power and authority to take all
     actions required or permitted to be taken by the Remarketing Agent
     hereunder and under the Indenture.

          (b) The execution and delivery of this Remarketing Agreement and the
     consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and in the Indenture
     will not conflict with or constitute on the part of the Remarketing Agent a
     breach of or default under its charter documents, its bylaws, or any
     statute, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, lease, note agreement or other
     agreement or instrument to which the Remarketing Agent is a party or by
     which it or its properties are bound, or any order, rule or regulation of
     any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the
     Remarketing Agent or any of its activities or properties.

          (c) This Remarketing Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
     delivered by the Remarketing Agent and this Remarketing Agreement is a
     valid and binding obligation of the Remarketing Agent enforceable in
     accordance with its terms.

          (d) The Remarketing Agent will use its best efforts to remarket the
     Bonds pursuant to this Remarketing Agreement and the Indenture.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     Section 5.    Representation, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements of the
Borrower.  The representations, warranties and agreements of the Borrower set
forth in the Letter of Representation, dated October 6, 1998, from the Borrower
to Dain Rauscher Incorporated, as the underwriter of the Bonds, the Authority
and the Treasurer of the State of California attached to the Purchase Contract
are hereby incorporated herein as being made to the Remarketing Agent as of the
date hereof.

     Section 6. Conditions to Remarketing Agent's Obligations. The obligations
of the Remarketing Agent under this Remarketing Agreement have been undertaken
in reliance on, and shall be subject to, the due performance by the Borrower of
its obligations and agreements to be performed hereunder and to the accuracy of
and compliance with the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of
the Borrower contained herein, on and as of the date of delivery of this
Remarketing Agreement. The obligations of the Remarketing Agent on and as of
each date on which Bonds are to be offered and sold pursuant to this Remarketing
Agreement are also subject to the following further conditions:

          (a)  Each of the Indenture, the Agreement, the Letter of Credit, the
     Reimbursement Agreement and all other documents and agreements referenced
     in the Indenture or relating to the Bonds shall be in full force and effect
     and shall not have been amended, modified or supplemented in any way which
     would materially and adversely affect the Bonds, except as may have been
     agreed to in writing by the Remarketing Agent, and there shall be in full
     force and effect such additional resolutions, agreements, certificates and
     opinions, which resolutions, agreements, certificates and opinions shall be
     satisfactory in form and substance to the Remarketing Agent; and

          (b) No Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and no
     event shall have occurred and be continuing which, with the passage of time
     or the giving of notice or both, would constitute such an Event of Default.

     Section 7.    Indemnification and Contribution.

          (a) To the extent permitted by law, the Borrower will indemnify and
     hold harmless the Remarketing Agent, each of its directors, officers and
     employees and each person who controls the Remarketing Agent within the
     meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (herein
     called the "Securities Act" and any such person being herein sometimes
     called an "Indemnified Party"), against any and all losses, claims, damages
     or liabilities, joint or several, to which such Indemnified Party may
     become subject under any statute or at law or in equity or otherwise, and
     shall reimburse any such Indemnified Party for any legal or other expenses
     incurred by it in connection with investigating any claims against it and
     defending any actions, but only to the extent that such losses, claims,
     damages, liabilities or actions arise out of or are based upon (i) an
     allegation or determination that the Bonds or the Letter of Credit should
     have been registered under the Securities Act or the Indenture should have
     been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act, or (ii) any untrue statement
     or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Official
     Statement or any Disclosure 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     Statement or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or the omission
     or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary to make the
     statements therein not misleading, but the Borrower shall not be liable in
     any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or
     action arises out of, or is based upon, any such untrue statement or
     alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in
     reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
     Borrower or the Authority by the Remarketing Agent specifically for use in
     connection with the preparation thereof, or if the person asserting any
     such loss, claim, damage or liability purchased Bonds from the Remarketing
     Agent, if delivery to such person of the Official Statement or the
     Disclosure Statement or any amendment or supplement to it would have been a
     valid defense to the action from which such loss, claim, damage or
     liability arose and if the same was not delivered to such person by or on
     behalf of the Remarketing Agent. This indemnity agreement shall not be
     construed as a limitation on any other liability which the Borrower may
     otherwise have to any Indemnified Party. The Remarketing Agent may, in its
     sole discretion, pursue any rights it may have against any party other than
     the Borrower to recover any losses, damages or liabilities covered by this
     Section 7(a); provided, however, that the Borrower's liability under this
     Section 7(a) shall not be limited by the availability of such rights or the
     Remarketing Agent's actions with respect to such rights.

          (b) An Indemnified Party shall, promptly after the receipt of notice
     of the commencement of any action against such Indemnified Party in respect
     of which indemnification may be sought against the Borrower (the
     "Indemnifying Party"), notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of the
     commencement thereof. In case any such action shall be brought against an
     Indemnified Party and such Indemnified Party shall notify the Indemnifying
     Party, the Indemnifying Party may, or if so requested by such Indemnified
     Party shall, participate therein or assume the defense thereof, with
     counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party, and after notice
     from the Indemnifying Party to such Indemnified Party of an election so as
     to assume the defense thereof, such Indemnified Party shall reasonably
     cooperate in the defense thereof, including without limitation, the
     settlement of outstanding claims, and the Indemnifying Party will not be
     liable to such Indemnified Party under this Section 7 for any legal or
     other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party in
     connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of
     investigation incurred with the consent of the Indemnifying Party, which
     consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that unless
     and until the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of any such action at
     the request of such Indemnified Party, the Indemnifying Party shall have
     the right to participate at its own expense in the defense of any such
     action. If the Indemnifying Party shall not have employed counsel to have
     charge of the defense of any such action or if any Indemnified Party shall
     have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses available to it or
     them which are different from or additional to those available to the
     Indemnifying Party (in which case the Indemnifying Party shall not have the
     right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of such Indemnified
     Party), legal and other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Party shall
     be borne by the Indemnifying Party. Any obligation under this Section of an
     Indemnifying Party to 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     reimburse an Indemnified Party for expenses includes the obligation to make
     advances to the Indemnified Party to cover such expenses in reasonable
     amounts and at reasonable periodic intervals not more often than monthly as
     requested by the Indemnified Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
     Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any action or
     claim effected without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably
     withheld.

          (c) In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in
     circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in paragraph (a) of
     this Section is due in accordance with its terms but is for any reason held
     by a court to be unavailable from the Borrower on grounds of public policy
     or otherwise, the Borrower and the Remarketing Agent shall contribute to
     the aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including legal or
     other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or
     defending same) to which the Borrower and the Remarketing Agent may be
     subject (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
     benefits received by the Borrower on the one hand and the Remarketing Agent
     on the other from the remarketing of the Bonds or (ii) if the allocation
     provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such
     proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits
     referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Borrower
     and the Remarketing Agent in connection with the failure to register or
     qualify certain instruments as described in Section 7(a)(i) or in
     connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses,
     claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant
     considerations. The relative benefits received by the Borrower on the one
     hand and the Remarketing Agent on the other shall be deemed to be in the
     same proportion as the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds remarketed
     pursuant to this Remarketing Agreement bear to the total remarketing fees
     received by the Remarketing Agent. The relative fault of the Borrower on
     the one hand and of the Remarketing Agent on the other shall be determined
     by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue
     statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a
     material fact relates to information supplied by the Borrower or by the
     Remarketing Agent and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to
     information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or
     omission; provided, however, in the case of an allegation or determination
     that the Bonds or the Letter of Credit should have been registered under
     the Securities Act or the Indenture should have been qualified under the
     Trust Indenture Act, the fault shall be deemed to be entirely that of the
     Borrower. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses,
     claims, damages and liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to
     include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such
     party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim.

          (d) The Borrower and the Remarketing Agent agree that it would not be
     just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were
     determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation
     which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in
     the immediately preceding paragraph. Notwithstanding the provisions of this
     Section 7, the Remarketing Agent shall not be 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     required to contribute any amount in excess of the remarketing fee
     applicable to the Bonds remarketed pursuant to this Remarketing Agreement.
     No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of
     Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from
     any person who is not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

          (e) For purposes of this Section 7, each person who controls the
     Remarketing Agent within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act
     shall have the same rights as the Remarketing Agent. Any party entitled to
     contribution shall, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any
     action, suit or proceeding against such party in respect of which a claim
     for contribution may be made against another party or parties under
     paragraph (d), notify such party or parties from whom contribution may be
     sought, but the omission so to notify such party or parties shall not
     relieve the party or parties from whom contribution may be sought from any
     other obligation it or they may have hereunder or otherwise than under
     paragraph (d) above.

     Section 8. Fees and Expenses. In consideration of the Remarketing Agent's
services under this Remarketing Agreement, the Borrower will pay the Remarketing
Agent an annual amount equal to an aggregate of 1/8 of 1.0% of the aggregate
principal amount of Bonds outstanding under the Indenture, payable semiannually
in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing on April 1, 1999 and computed on
the basis of the actual number of days elapsed during such calculation period
and the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds outstanding during such
calculation period. The Borrower also will pay all expenses in connection with
the preparation of any amendment or supplement to the Official Statement or the
Disclosure Statement, the registration of the Bonds and any other documents
relating to the Bonds required to comply with applicable securities laws or
required to comply with the Trust Indenture Act and will reimburse the
Remarketing Agent for all of its reasonable direct out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by it as Remarketing Agent under this Remarketing Agreement and the
Indenture, including counsel fees and disbursements.

    Section 9.    Dealing in Bonds by Paying Agent, Tender Agent, Bank, and
Remarketing Agent.  The Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Tender Agent, the Bank,
or the Remarketing Agent, in their respective individual capacities, may in good
faith buy, sell, own, hold and deal in any of the Bonds, and may join in any
action which Bond owners may be entitled to take with like effect as if it did
not act in any capacity hereunder.  The Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Tender
Agent, the Bank, or the Remarketing Agent, in their respective individual
capacities, either as principal or agent, may also engage in or be interested in
any financial or other transaction with the Authority, and may act as
depositary, trustee or agent for other obligations of the Authority as freely as
if it did not act in any capacity hereunder.

     Section 10. Intention of Parties. It is the intention of the parties hereto
that no purchase, sale or transfer of any Bonds, as herein and in the Indenture
provided, shall constitute or be construed to be extinguishment of any Bonds or
the indebtedness represented thereby or the reissuance of any Bonds.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
     Section 11.    Fails.  The Remarketing Agent will not be liable to the
Authority, the Borrower, the Trustee, the Tender Agent, or the Bank on account
of the failure of any person to whom the Remarketing Agent has sold a Bond to
pay for such Bond or to deliver any document in respect of the sale.  It is
understood and agreed that the Remarketing Agent shall not be obligated to
advance its own funds to purchase, or to effect the purchase of, any Bonds.

     Section 12.    Remarketing Agent's Performance.

          (a) The duties and obligations of the Remarketing Agent as Remarketing
     Agent shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this
     Remarketing Agreement and the Indenture, and the Remarketing Agent shall
     not be responsible for the performance of any duties and obligations other
     than as are specifically set forth in this Remarketing Agreement and the
     Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this
     Remarketing Agreement or the Indenture against the Remarketing Agent.

          (b) The Remarketing Agent may conclusively rely upon any notice or
     document given or furnished to the Remarketing Agent and conforming to the
     requirements of this Remarketing Agreement or the Indenture and shall be
     protected in acting upon any such notice or document reasonably believed by
     it to be genuine and to have been given, signed or presented by the proper
     party or parties.

          (c) The Remarketing Agent shall not be liable for any actions taken or
     omitted to be taken pursuant to this Remarketing Agreement, except for its
     own negligence or willful misconduct.

     Section 13.    Termination.

          (a) This Remarketing Agreement will terminate automatically at such
     time as all of the Bonds have been paid or deemed paid under the Indenture
     and upon the effective resignation or removal of the Remarketing Agent as
     Remarketing Agent in accordance with the Indenture. The Remarketing Agent
     will resign as Remarketing Agent under the Remarketing Agreement if
     requested to do so by the Borrower and the Authority in writing and may
     resign at any time upon forty-five (45) days written notice delivered to
     the Authority, the Borrower, the Tender Agent, the Bank, the Trustee,
     Standard & Poor's Ratings Services and Moody's Investors Service, to the
     extent each such rating agency is then rating the Bonds.

          (b) In addition to the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section,
     the Remarketing Agent may terminate its obligations under this Remarketing
     Agreement at any time by notifying the Borrower in writing or by telegram,
     telex or other electronic communications of its election so to do, if:

              (i) Legislation shall be favorably reported, recommended by
          committee or enacted by the Congress or adopted by either House
          thereof or a decision by a Court of the United States of America or
          the United States Tax 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
          Court shall be rendered, or a ruling, regulation
          or official statement by or on behalf of the Treasury Department of
          the United States of America, the Internal Revenue Service or other
          governmental agency shall be made, with respect to federal taxation of
          receipts, revenues or other income of the general character expected
          to be derived by the Authority or of interest received on bonds of the
          general character of the Bonds or which would have the effect of
          changing directly or indirectly the federal income tax consequences of
          interest on bonds of the general character of the Bonds in the hands
          of the holders thereof, which, in the opinion of the Remarketing
          Agent, materially adversely affects the market price of the Bonds;

              (ii) Legislation shall be introduced by committee, by amendment or
          otherwise, in, or be enacted by, the House of Representatives or the
          Senate of the Congress of the United States, or a decision by a court
          of the United States shall be rendered, or a stop order, ruling,
          regulation or official statement by, or on behalf of, the United
          States Securities and Exchange Commission or other governmental agency
          having jurisdiction of the subject matter shall be made or proposed,
          to the effect that the offering or sale of obligations of the general
          character of the Bonds, as contemplated hereby, is or would be in
          violation of any provision of the Securities Act, or the Securities
          Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and as then in effect, or the Trust
          Indenture Act, or with the purpose or effect of otherwise prohibiting
          the offering or sale of obligations of the general character of the
          Bonds, or the Bonds, as contemplated hereby;

               (iii) Any information shall have become known, which, in the
          Remarketing Agent's reasonable opinion, makes untrue, incorrect or
          misleading in any material respect any statement or information
          contained in the Official Statement or a Disclosure Statement, as the
          information contained therein has been supplemented or amended by
          other information, as of the date furnished or supplemented to the
          Remarketing Agent in accordance with Section 3 hereof, or causes the
          Official Statement or the Disclosure Statement, as so supplemented or
          amended, to contain an untrue, incorrect or misleading statement of a
          material fact or to omit to state a material fact required to be
          stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein, in
          light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

               (iv) Except as provided in clause (i) hereof, any legislation,
          resolution, ordinance, rule or regulation shall be introduced in, or
          be enacted by, any governmental body, department or agency of the
          United States or the State of California shall be rendered which, in
          the Remarketing Agent's reasonable opinion, materially adversely
          affects the marketability of the Bonds;

               (v) Additional material restrictions not in force as of the date
          hereof shall have been imposed upon trading in securities generally by
          any governmental authority or by any national securities exchange;

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
               (vi) Any governmental authority shall impose, as to the Bonds, or
          obligations of the general character of the Bonds, any material
          restrictions not now in force, or increase materially those now in
          force;

               (vii) A general banking moratorium shall have been established by
          federal, New York or California authorities;

               (viii) Any rating of the Bonds shall have been downgraded or
          withdrawn by a national rating service, which, in the Remarketing
          Agent's reasonable opinion, materially adversely affects the
          marketability of the Bonds;

               (ix) A war involving the United States shall have been declared,
          or any existing conflict involving the armed forces of the United
          States shall have escalated, or any other national emergency relating
          to the effective operation of government or the financial community
          shall have occurred, which, in the Remarketing Agent's reasonable
          opinion, materially adversely affects the marketability of the Bonds;

               (x) An event, including, without limitation, the bankruptcy or
          default of any other issuer of or obligor on obligations of the
          general character of the Bonds or on similar commercial paper, shall
          have occurred which, in the opinion of the Remarketing Agent, makes
          the marketability of obligations of the general character of the Bonds
          impossible over an extended period of time.

     The provisions of Section 7 shall survive the termination of this
Remarketing Agreement and the payment or defeasance of the Bonds.

     Section 14.       Miscellaneous.

          (a) Except as otherwise provided, any notice or other communication
     herein required or permitted to be given shall be in writing, by facsimile
     transmission or by telephone with subsequent written confirmation and may
     be personally served or sent by United States mail, first class mail
     postage prepaid, and shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt by the
     party notified. For the purposes hereof, the address of the parties (until
     notice of a change thereof is delivered as provided in this Section 14(a)
     shall be as follows:

          Remarketing Agent:    Dain Rauscher Incorporated 
                                2711 N. Haskell Avenue, Suite 2400 
                                Dallas, Texas 75204
                                Attention:  Fixed Income Banking
                                (214) 989-1834
                                Fax: (214) 989-1842

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
          Authority:            California Economic Development
                                Financing Authority
                                801 K Street, Suite 1700
                                Sacramento, California  95814
                                Attention:  Bond Manager
                                (916) 322-8520
                                Fax:  (916) 322-7214



          Bank:                 Comerica Bank-California
                                333 W. Santa Clara Street  
                                San Jose, California 95113 
                                Attention: Michael Archer  
                                (408) 556-5361             
                                Fax: (408) 556-5395         


          Borrower:             Provena Foods Inc.
                                5010 Eucalyptus Avenue
                                Chino, California 91710
                                Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
                                Phone: (909) 627-1082
                                Fax: (909) 627-7315
 
          Trustee:              U.S. Bank Trust National Association
                                One California Street, 4th Floor       
                                San Francisco, California 94111        
                                Attention: Corporate Trust Department  
                                (415) 273-4500                         
                                Fax: (415) 273-4590                     
 

          Tender Agent:         U.S. Bank Trust National Association
                                One California Street, 4th Floor      
                                San Francisco, California 94111       
                                Attention: Corporate Trust Department 
                                (415) 273-4500                        
                                Fax: (415) 273-4590                    



          The Remarketing Agent, the Authority, the Borrower, the Trustee, the
     Bank and the Tender Agent may, by notice given under this Remarketing
     Agreement, designate other addresses to which notices or other
     communications shall be directed.

          (b) This Remarketing Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be
     binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and
     assigns. The terms "successors" and "assigns" shall not include any
     purchaser of any of the Bonds merely because of such purchase.

                                      11
<PAGE>
 
          (c) All of the representations, warranties and covenants made in this
     Remarketing Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect,
     regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any party
     hereto, (ii) delivery of and any payment for any Bonds hereunder, or (iii)
     termination or cancellation of this Remarketing Agreement.

          (d) Section headings have been inserted in this Remarketing Agreement
     as a matter of convenience of reference only, and it is agreed that such
     section headings are not a part of this Remarketing Agreement and will not
     be used in the interpretation of any provisions of this Remarketing
     Agreement.

          (e) If any provision of this Remarketing Agreement shall be held or
     deemed to be or shall, in fact, be invalid, inoperative or unenforceable as
     applied in any particular case in any jurisdiction or jurisdictions, or in
     all jurisdictions because it conflicts with any provisions of any
     constitution, statute, rule or public policy, or any other reason, such
     circumstances shall not have the effect of rendering the provisions in
     question invalid, inoperative or unenforceable in any other case or
     circumstance, or of rendering any other provisions of this Remarketing
     Agreement invalid, inoperative or unenforceable to any extent whatsoever.

          (f) This Remarketing Agreement may be executed in several
     counterparts, each of which shall be regarded as an original and all of
     which shall constitute one and the same document.

          (g) The terms of this Remarketing Agreement shall not be waived,
     altered, modified, amended or supplemented in any manner whatsoever except
     by written instrument signed by all of the parties hereto.

          (h) This Remarketing Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
     accordance with the laws of the State of California.

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Remarketing Agent and the Borrower have caused this
Remarketing Agreement to be signed in their names by the undersigned officers,
thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.


                              DAIN RAUSCHER INCORPORATED


                              By  /s/ John  [Illegible Signature]
                                ----------------------------------------
                                 Managing Director
 


                              PROVENA FOODS INC.


                              By /s/ Thomas J. Mulroney
                                ----------------------------------------
                                  Authorized Signatory




                   [Signature Page to Remarketing Agreement]

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.43

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               PURCHASE CONTRACT
                                        
                                     among

                        CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
                              FINANCING AUTHORITY,
                                        
                      TREASURER OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
                                        
                                      and

                           DAIN RAUSCHER INCORPORATED
                                        



                             Dated October 6, 1998

                                  Relating to

                                   $4,000,000
              California Economic Development Financing Authority
                              Variable Rate Demand
               Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1998
                          (Provena Foods Inc. Project)



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                               PURCHASE CONTRACT
                                        
                                   $4,000,000
              California Economic Development Financing Authority
                              Variable Rate Demand
               Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1998
                          (Provena Foods Inc. Project)

                                October 6, 1998


California Economic Development Financing Authority
801 K Street, Suite 1700
Sacramento, California 95814

The Honorable Matt Fong
Treasurer of the State of California
915 Capitol Mall, Room 110
Sacramento, California 95814

Ladies and Gentlemen:

        1.  Dain Rauscher Incorporated (the "Underwriter") offers to enter into
this purchase contract (this "Purchase Contract") with the California Economic
Development Financing Authority (the "Authority") and the Treasurer of the State
of California, solely in his capacity as agent of sale for the Authority (the
"Treasurer"), which upon the Authority's and the Treasurer's acceptance hereof
will be binding upon the Authority, the Treasurer and the Underwriter. This
offer is made subject to the Authority's and Treasurer's acceptance by execution
of this Purchase Contract and approval by Provena Foods Inc., a California
corporation (the "Borrower") and their delivery of same to the Underwriter at or
before 9:00 p.m., New York time, today. Delivered to you herewith as Exhibit A,
is the Letter of Representation, dated the date hereof (the "Letter of
Representation"), under which the Borrower makes certain representations and
undertakes certain obligations with respect to this Purchase Contract.

        2.  Upon the terms and conditions and upon the basis of the
representations, warranties and covenants hereinafter set forth, the Underwriter
hereby agrees to purchase from the Authority and the Treasurer for offering to
the public, and the Authority and the Treasurer hereby agree to sell to the
Underwriter for such purpose, at an interest rate to be determined in accordance
with the terms of the Indenture (hereinafter defined), all (but not less than
all) of $4,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Authority's Variable Rate
Demand Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1998 (Provena Foods Inc.
Project), dated as of the date of delivery thereof (the "Bonds"). The purchase
price of the Bonds shall be 100% of the principal amount of the Bonds.

        3.  The Bonds shall be otherwise as described in, and shall be issued
and secured under the provisions of, the Indenture of Trust, dated as of October
1, 1998 (the "Indenture"), by 
<PAGE>
 
and between the Authority and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee
(the "Trustee"). The proceeds of sale of the Bonds will be loaned to the
Borrower pursuant to the Loan Agreement (as hereinafter defined) and will be
applied by the Borrower to defray the Borrower's cost of the acquisition,
construction and improving of a manufacturing facility (the "Project"). The
Project is further described in the Loan Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1998
(the "Loan Agreement"), between the Authority and the Borrower. The Bonds will
be secured by an irrevocable direct pay letter of credit (the "Letter of
Credit") issued by Comerica Bank-California (the "Bank"), pursuant to the
Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1998 (the "Reimbursement
Agreement"), between the Bank and the Borrower.

  The Bonds are more fully described in the Official Statement relating to the
Bonds, dated October 6, 1998 (the "Official Statement").

  4.  The Underwriter agrees to make a bona fide public offering of all the
Bonds at par, plus interest accrued thereon, if any, to the date of delivery.
The Bonds may be offered and sold to certain dealers (including the Underwriter
and other dealers depositing such Bonds into investment trusts) at a price or at
prices lower than such public offering price.

  5.  As soon as practicable after the execution of this Purchase Contract by
the Authority, but no later than the Closing, the Authority shall deliver or use
its best efforts to cause to be delivered to the Underwriter manually executed
originals of the documents listed below in subparagraphs (a), (b), (d), (e) and
(g), a copy of the document listed below in subparagraph (c) and certified
copies of the documents listed below in subparagraph (f):

      (a) the Indenture;

      (b) the Reimbursement Agreement;

      (c) the Letter of Credit, issued by the Bank in favor of the Trustee in an
  amount equal to at least the principal amount of the Bonds and 45 days'
  interest thereon calculated at the rate of 12% on the basis of a 365/366 day
  year ;

      (d) the Loan Agreement;

      (e) the Tax Regulatory Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1998 (the "Tax
  Regulatory Agreement"), among the Authority, the Borrower and the Trustee;

      (f) (i) the resolution of the Authority, adopted on January 28, 1998,
  expressing the Authority's intention to issue the Bonds and to reimburse
  certain expenditures incurred by the Borrower from proceeds of the Bonds,
  certified by the Secretary of the Authority, (ii) the resolution of the
  Authority, adopted on September 1, 1998, authorizing the issuance, sale and
  delivery of the Bonds and the execution and delivery of the Indenture, the
  Loan Agreement, the Tax Regulatory Agreement and this Purchase Contract,
  certified by the Secretary of the Authority, and (iii) the resolution of the
  California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (the "Infrastructure
  Bank"), adopted September 1, 1998, approving the issuance of the Bonds by the
  Authority, certified by the Secretary of the Infrastructure Bank; and

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
      (g) the Official Statement.

  By execution of this Purchase Contract, the Authority consents to the use by
the Underwriter of all of the above documents and the information contained
therein in connection with the public offering of the Bonds.

  6.  The Authority represents and warrants to the Underwriter that:

      (a)  The Authority is a body public and corporate, and a public
  instrumentality of the State of California (the "State"), organized and
  existing under the laws of the State, specifically Section 15710 et seq. of
  the California Government Code, as amended, with all necessary power and
  authority to issue the Bonds and to enter into the Loan Agreement for the
  purpose of promoting and encouraging commerce and industry, and generally to
  foster economic development in the State; to enter into the Indenture, the Tax
  Regulatory Agreement and this Purchase Contract; to issue, sell and deliver
  the Bonds to the Underwriter as provided herein; and to carry out and
  consummate all other transactions contemplated by each of the aforesaid
  documents.

      (b)  The Authority has duly authorized, by all appropriate action, and
  complied with all provisions of law with respect to, the execution and
  delivery of the Indenture, the Loan Agreement, the Tax Regulatory Agreement
  and this Purchase Contract and the issuance, sale, execution and delivery of
  the Bonds.

      (c)  When delivered to and paid for by the Underwriter in accordance with
  the terms of this Purchase Contract and the Indenture, the Bonds will have
  been duly and validly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and
  delivered by the Authority and will constitute legal, valid and binding
  limited obligations of the Authority enforceable in accordance with their
  terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting
  creditors' rights and remedies, and will be entitled to the benefits of the
  Indenture.

      (d)  The execution and delivery of the Bonds, the Indenture, the Loan
  Agreement, the Tax Regulatory Agreement and this Purchase Contract, and
  compliance with the provisions thereof, do not and will not conflict with, or
  constitute on the part of the Authority a violation of, breach of or default
  under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, resolution, note agreement or
  other agreement or instrument to which the Authority is a party or by which
  the Authority is bound, or, to its knowledge, any constitutional provision or
  statute of the State or of the United States of America, any order, rule or
  regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction
  over the Authority or any of its activities or properties; and all consents of
  any governmental authority of the State or of the United States of America
  required in connection with the issuance or sale of the Bonds by the Authority
  have been obtained; provided, however, that no representation is made
  concerning compliance with the federal securities laws or the securities or
  "Blue Sky" laws of the various states.

      (e)  There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at
  law or in equity, or before or by any court or governmental agency or body
  pending or, to the best

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  of its knowledge, threatened against or affecting the Authority, nor to the
  best of its knowledge is there any basis therefor, wherein an unfavorable
  decision, ruling or finding would materially adversely affect the transactions
  contemplated by this Purchase Contract, the Indenture, the Loan Agreement or
  the Tax Regulatory Agreement, or which, in any way, would adversely affect the
  validity or enforceability of the Bonds, the Indenture, the Loan Agreement,
  the Tax Regulatory Agreement or this Purchase Contract or any other agreement
  or instrument to which the Authority is a party, used or contemplated for use
  in the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Purchase
  Contract, the Indenture, the Loan Agreement or the Tax Regulatory Agreement.

      (f)  The Authority will not take or omit to take any action which action
  or omission will in any way cause the proceeds from the sale of the Bonds to
  be applied in a manner contrary to that provided for in the Indenture.

      (g)  The Authority has reviewed the statements contained in the Official
  Statement relating to the Authority under the caption "THE AUTHORITY" and such
  statements, insofar as they are within the knowledge of the Authority, are
  true and correct and fairly summarize the matters encompassed thereby to the
  extent such matters are described therein. If between the date of this
  Purchase Contract and the date of the Closing (as hereinafter defined) any
  event shall occur which, in the opinion of the Authority, might or would cause
  the Official Statement as then supplemented or amended to contain, with
  respect to statements contained in the Official Statement relating to the
  Authority under the caption "THE AUTHORITY," any untrue statement of a
  material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the
  statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
  made, not misleading, the Authority shall notify the Underwriter, and if in
  the opinion of the Authority or the Underwriter such event requires the
  preparation and publication of a supplement or amendment to the Official
  Statement, the Authority, at the expense of the Borrower, will supplement or
  amend the Official Statement in a form and in a manner approved by the
  Underwriter.

  7.  At 11:00 a.m., New York time, on October 7, 1998, or at such other time or
on such earlier or later business day as shall have been mutually agreed upon by
the Authority, the Borrower and the Underwriter, the Authority will deliver or
cause to be delivered to the Underwriter the Bonds, in definitive fully
registered form, duly executed and authenticated, at a place in New York, New
York, to be mutually agreed upon by the Authority and the Underwriter.  The
Authority will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Underwriter in Pasadena,
California, at such time and on such date and at a place to be mutually agreed
upon by the Authority, the Borrower and the Underwriter, the closing documents
mentioned in Paragraph 8(d) hereof.  The Underwriter will accept such delivery
and pay the purchase price of the Bonds as set forth in Paragraph 2 hereof, by a
Federal Funds check or wire transfer to the order of "U.S. Bank Trust National
Association, as Trustee" unless the Authority shall otherwise direct.  This
payment and delivery is herein called the "Closing." The Bonds will be delivered
in authorized denominations as set forth in the Indenture and registered in the
name of CEDE & Co., as nominee of The Depository Trust Company or in such other
names as the Underwriter shall have requested.  The Bonds will be made available
to the Underwriter for checking and 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
packaging by the Underwriter at least one business day before the Closing at a
place to be mutually agreed upon by the Authority and the Underwriter.

  8.  The Underwriter's obligations hereunder to purchase and pay for the Bonds
shall be subject to the performance by the Authority of the obligations to be
performed by it hereunder at or prior to the Closing, to the performance by the
Borrower of the obligations and agreements to be performed by the Borrower at or
prior to the Closing under the Letter of Representation and to the accuracy in
all material respects of the representations and warranties of the Authority
contained herein and of the Borrower contained in the Letter of Representation,
as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, and shall also be subject to the
following conditions:

      (a)  At the time of the Closing (i) the Indenture, the Letter of Credit,
  the Loan Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement, the Tax Regulatory Agreement
  and the Letter of Representation shall be in full force and effect, and shall
  not have been amended, modified or supplemented except as may have been agreed
  to in writing by the Underwriter; and (ii) the Authority shall perform or have
  performed all of its obligations required under or specified in this Purchase
  Contract to be performed at or prior to the Closing.

      (b)  The Bonds shall have been duly authorized, executed and authenticated
  in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture.

      (c)  The Underwriter may terminate this Purchase Contract by notification
to the Authority if at any time subsequent to the date hereof and at or prior to
the Closing (i) legislation shall have been enacted by the United States or
shall have been reported out of committee or being considered by any committee
of the Congress of the United States, or a decision shall have been rendered by
a court of the United States or the Tax Court of the United States, or a ruling
shall have been made or a regulation or a temporary regulation shall have been
proposed or made or any other release or announcement shall have been made by
the Treasury Department of the United States or the Internal Revenue Service,
with respect to federal taxation upon revenues or other income or payments of
the general character to be derived by the State or upon interest received on
obligations of the general character of the Bonds, which in the reasonable
opinion of the Underwriter materially adversely affects the market for the
Bonds; (ii) there shall have occurred any new outbreak of hostilities or any
national or international calamity or crisis, the effect of such outbreak,
calamity or crisis being such as could cause a major disruption in the debt
markets and as, in the reasonable judgment of the Underwriter, would make it
impracticable for it to market the Bonds or to enforce contracts for the sale of
the Bonds; (iii) there shall be in force a general suspension of trading on The
New York Stock Exchange, Inc., or minimum or maximum prices for trading shall
have been fixed and be in force, or maximum ranges for prices for securities
shall have been required and be in force on The New York Stock Exchange, Inc.,
whether by virtue of a determination by that exchange or by order of the
Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental authority having
jurisdiction; (iv) a general banking moratorium shall have been declared by
federal, New York, or California authorities having jurisdiction and be in
force; or (v) any event shall have occurred or shall exist which makes untrue or
incorrect, as of such time, in any material respect, any material statement or
information

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
contained in the Official Statement or which is not reflected in the Official
Statement, but should be reflected therein in order to make such material
statements and information contained therein not misleading as of such time.

      (d) At or prior to the Closing, the Underwriter shall receive the
following documents:

          (i)   The approving opinion of Kutak Rock ("Bond Counsel"), relating
      to the Bonds, dated the date of the Closing, in the form set forth as
      Appendix A to the Official Statement, together with a letter of Bond
      Counsel, dated the date of the Closing and addressed to the Underwriter
      stating that the Underwriter may rely on such opinion.

          (ii)  The supplemental opinion of Bond Counsel dated the date
      of the Closing and addressed to the Underwriter, to the effect that:

                (A)  this Purchase Contract has been duly authorized, executed
          and delivered by the Authority and, assuming due authorization,
          execution and delivery by the Underwriter and approval by the
          Borrower, is a valid and binding agreement of the Authority, subject
          to laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or
          creditors' rights generally and to the application of equitable
          principles;

                (B)  the statements contained in the Official Statement in the
          sections thereof entitled: "DESCRIPTION OF THE BONDS," "SECURITY FOR
          THE BONDS," "THE LOAN AGREEMENT," "THE INDENTURE" and "TAX MATTERS"
          insofar as such statements purport to summarize certain provisions of
          the Bonds, the Loan Agreement or the Indenture, and Bond Counsel's
          opinion concerning certain tax matters relating to the Bonds are
          accurate in all material respects; and

                (C)  the Bonds are not subject to the registration requirements
          of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Indenture is exempt
          from qualification as an indenture pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act
          of 1939, as amended.

          (iii) The opinion of counsel to the Borrower, which may be rendered
      by one or more firms acceptable to the Authority and the Underwriter,
      dated the date of the closing and in form and substance acceptable to the
      Authority and the Underwriter.

          (iv)  A certificate dated the date of the Closing of the Chair of the
      Authority, or the Chair's designee, to the effect that as of such date,
      (A) no litigation is pending or, to his knowledge, threatened in any court
      (1) challenging the creation, organization or existence of the Authority,
      (2) seeking to restrain or enjoin the issuance or delivery of any of the
      Bonds, or the collection of revenues or other moneys pledged or to be
      pledged to pay the principal of and interest on

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
      the Bonds, or in any way contesting or affecting the validity of the Bonds
      or the Indenture or the collection of revenues or other moneys or the
      pledge thereof, or contesting the powers of the Authority to issue the
      Bonds or to enter into the Indenture, (3) in any way contesting or
      affecting the validity of the Loan Agreement, the Tax Regulatory Agreement
      or this Purchase Contract, or contesting the powers of the Authority to
      enter into or to execute and deliver the Loan Agreement, the Tax
      Regulatory Agreement or this Purchase Contract, (B) the representations
      and warranties of the Authority contained herein are true and correct in
      all material respects on and as of the date of the Closing as if made on
      the date of the Closing; and (C) to the best of his knowledge, no event
      affecting the Authority has occurred since the date of the Official
      Statement which has not been disclosed therein or by supplement or
      amendment thereto and which should be disclosed in the Official Statement
      for the purpose for which it is to be used or which it is necessary to
      disclose therein in order to make the statements and information therein
      not misleading in any material respect.

          (v)   An opinion, dated the date of the Closing and addressed to the
      Underwriter, the Authority, Bond Counsel and Standard & Poor's Ratings
      Services ("Standard & Poor's") of counsel to the Bank in form and
      substance acceptable to the Underwriter, the Authority, Bond Counsel and
      Standard & Poor's.

          (vi)  A certificate of an authorized officer of the Bank, dated the
      date of the Closing, to the effect that the information under the captions
      "THE BANK" and "THE LETTER OF CREDIT AND THE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT" in
      the Official Statement does not contain any untrue statement of a material
      fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
      made under such caption, in light of the circumstances under which they
      were made, not misleading.

          (vii) A certificate of the Borrower, dated the date of the Closing and
      signed by an authorized officer of the Borrower, acting solely in his
      official capacity, to the effect that (A) since the date hereof no
      material and adverse change has occurred in the financial position or
      results of operations of the Borrower; (B) the Borrower has not, since the
      date hereof, incurred any material liabilities other than in the ordinary
      course of business or as set forth in or contemplated by the Official
      Statement; (C) no event affecting the Borrower has occurred since the date
      of the Official Statement which should be disclosed in the Official
      Statement for the purpose for which it is to be used or which is necessary
      to be disclosed therein in order to make the statements and information
      therein in light of the circumstances under which they are made not
      misleading as of the date of Closing; and (D) the representations and
      warranties included in the Letter of Representation are true and correct
      in all material respects as of the date of the Closing, and all
      obligations to be performed by the Borrower under the Letter of
      Representation on or prior to the date of the Closing have been performed.

          (viii)  The Official Statement signed on behalf of the Authority.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
          (ix)    Executed counterparts of the Indenture, the Loan Agreement,
      the Remarketing Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement and the Tax
      Regulatory Agreement and specimens of the Letter of Credit and the Bonds.

          (x)     Copies of the resolutions or other documents of the Borrower
      authorizing the execution and delivery of the Loan Agreement, the
      Reimbursement Agreement, the Remarketing Agreement, the Letter of
      Representations and the Tax Regulatory Agreement, certified by the
      Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower as having been duly
      adopted and being in full force and effect.

          (xi)    Copies of the resolutions of the Authority authorizing the
      issuance of the Bonds, the use of the Official Statement and authorizing
      or approving the execution and delivery of the documents to which the
      Authority is a party, certified by the Secretary of the Authority, as
      having been duly adopted and being in full force and effect.

          (xii)   A certificate of a duly authorized officer of the Authority
      satisfactory to the Underwriter, dated the date of Closing, stating that
      such officer is charged, either alone or with others, with the
      responsibility for issuing the Bonds; setting forth, in the manner
      permitted by the Treasury Regulations and the Internal Revenue Code of
      1986 (the "Code"), the reasonable expectations of the Authority as of such
      date as to the use of proceeds of the Bonds and of any other funds of the
      Authority pledged or expected to be used to pay principal or purchase
      price of, premium, if any, or interest on the Bonds and the facts and
      estimates on which such expectations are based; and stating that, to the
      best of the knowledge and belief of the certifying officer, the
      Authority's expectations are reasonable, which certification may be made
      in reliance upon a similar certification, dated the date of the Closing,
      furnished to such person for such purpose by a duly authorized officer or
      attorneys-in-fact of the Borrower satisfactory to the Underwriter.

          (xiii)  An opinion of counsel to the Authority, dated the date of the
      Closing, addressed to the Underwriter, the Trustee and Bond Counsel, in
      form and substance acceptable to the Underwriter, the Trustee and Bond
      Counsel.

          (xiv)   The letter from Standard & Poor's indicating the rating for
      the Bonds which is not lower than "A/A-1."

          (xv)    Evidence satisfactory to the Underwriter that the Bonds have
      been approved by the Governor of the State or other appropriate official
      or governing body, after a public hearing thereon held after reasonable
      public notice in accordance with Section 147(f) of the Code.

          (xvi)   Evidence of the filing, as required by Section 149(e) of the
      Code, of Form 8038.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
          (xvii)  A certified copy of the resolution of the California Debt
      Limit Allocation Committee granting the Authority a portion of the State's
      volume cap for the Bonds equal to at least the amount of the Bonds
      purchased pursuant to this Purchase Contract.

          (xviii) Such additional certificates, instruments and other documents
      as the Underwriter reasonably may deem necessary to evidence the truth and
      accuracy as of the time of the Closing of the representations of the
      Authority, the Borrower and the Bank and the due performance or
      satisfaction by the Authority, the Borrower and the Bank at or prior to
      such time of all agreements then to be performed and all conditions then
      to be satisfied by the Authority, the Borrower and the Bank.

   If the Authority shall be unable to satisfy the conditions contained in this
Purchase Contract, or if the obligations of the Underwriter shall be terminated
for any reason permitted by this Purchase Contract, this Purchase Contract shall
terminate and neither the Underwriter nor the Authority shall be under further
obligation hereunder, except as set forth in Paragraph 10.

   9.  The Authority covenants with the Underwriter to cooperate with it and the
Borrower in qualifying the Bonds for offer and sale under the securities or
"Blue Sky" laws of such States as the Underwriter may request; provided that in
no event shall the Authority be obligated to take any action which would subject
it to general service of process in any State where it is not now so subject. It
is understood that the Authority is not responsible for compliance with or the
consequences of failure to comply with applicable "Blue Sky" laws.

   10. (a) The Underwriter shall be under no obligation to pay any expenses
   incident to the performance of the Authority's obligations hereunder,
   including but not limited to (i) the cost of printing and delivering and
   preparation for printing or other reproduction of the Indenture, the Letter
   of Credit, the Loan Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement, this Purchase
   Contract, the Letter of Representation, the Remarketing Agreement and the
   Official Statement; (ii) the fees and disbursements of Bond Counsel, the
   Trustee, counsel to the Authority and any experts or consultants retained by
   the Authority or the Borrower; (iii) the fees and disbursements of the Bank
   and its counsel and (iv) the fees of Standard & Poor's. The costs and
   expenses set forth in the immediately preceding sentence shall be paid out of
   the proceeds of the Bonds, or other available funds of the Borrower in
   accordance with the Indenture or if the Bonds are not delivered to the
   Underwriter by the Authority (unless such delivery be prevented by the
   Underwriter's default hereunder, in which event the Underwriter shall pay
   such costs and expenses as and for liquidated damages hereunder), shall be
   paid by the Borrower pursuant to the Letter of Representation.

       (b) The Underwriter shall pay (i) all advertising expenses in connection
   with the public offering of the Bonds and (ii) all other expenses incurred by
   it in connection with the public offering and distribution of the Bonds.

   11. Any notice or other communication to be given to the Authority under this
Purchase Contract may be given by delivering the same in writing at its address
set forth above,

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
addressed Attention: Chair, and any such notice or other communication to be
given to the Underwriter may be given by delivering the same to Dain Rauscher
Incorporated, One Market Plaza, 1100 Steuart Street Tower, San Francisco,
California 94105, Attention: Public Finance Department. All notices or
communications hereunder by any party shall be given and served upon each other
party.

   12. This Purchase Contract shall constitute the entire agreement between the
Authority, the Treasurer and the Underwriter and is made solely for the benefit
of the Authority, the Borrower and the Underwriter (including the successors or
assigns of the Underwriter). No other person shall acquire or have any rights
hereunder or by virtue hereof. All representations, warranties and agreements of
the Authority in this Purchase Contract shall remain operative and in full force
and effect, regardless of (a) any investigation made by or on behalf of the
Underwriter, (b) the delivery of any payment for the Bonds hereunder and (c) any
termination of this Purchase Contract. The parties hereto agree to cooperate
prior and subsequent to the Closing to take such actions as shall be necessary
or desirable in connection with securing the rating of the Bonds by Standard &
Poor's.

   13. This Purchase Contract may not be amended without the written consent of
the Authority, the Treasurer, the Underwriter and the Borrower.

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
   14. The validity, interpretation and performance of this Purchase Contract
shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.

                         DAIN RAUSCHER INCORPORATED

                         By /s/ Illegible Signature
                            ---------------------------------
                                Authorized Signatory


                         CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
                         FINANCING AUTHORITY

                         By /s/ Christopher S. Holben
                            ---------------------------------
                                Christopher S. Holben

Attest:

By /s/ Blake Fowler
  ----------------------
      Blake Fowler

                         OFFICE OF THE STATE TREASURER


                         By /s/ Illegible Signature
                            ---------------------------------
                                Deputy Treasurer

Agreed to and Approved by:
PROVENA FOODS INC.

By /s/ Thomas J. Muloney
  ----------------------
  Authorized Signatory


                     [Signature Page to Purchase Contract]
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A

                            LETTER OF REPRESENTATION


                                October 6, 1998

California Economic Development Financing Authority
801 K Street, Suite 1700
Sacramento, California 95814

The Honorable Matt Fong
Treasurer of the State of California
915 Capitol Mall, Room 110
Sacramento, California 95814

Dain Rauscher Incorporated
One Market Plaza
110 Steuart Street Tower
San Francisco, California 94105

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     Pursuant to a purchase contract dated the date hereof (the "Purchase
Contract"), with Dain Rauscher Incorporated (the "Underwriter"), which the
undersigned (the "Borrower") has approved, the California Economic Development
Financing Authority (the "Authority") and the Treasurer of the State of
California propose to sell $4,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the
Authority's Variable Rate Demand Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series
1998 (Provena Foods Inc. Project) (the "Bonds").  The offering of the Bonds is
described in an Official Statement, dated October 6, 1998 (the "Official
Statement").

     Certain revenues and other moneys received by the Authority pursuant or
with respect to the Loan Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1998 (the "Loan
Agreement"), between the Authority and the Borrower will be pledged to secure
the payment of the Bonds, including the interest thereon pursuant to an
Indenture of Trust, dated as of October 1, 1998 (the Indenture"), between the
Authority and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee"),
relating to the Bonds. In addition, the Bonds shall be payable from funds drawn
under an irrevocable direct pay letter of credit (the "Letter of Credit") issued
by Comerica Bank-California (the "Bank"), pursuant to a Reimbursement Agreement,
dated as of October 1, 1998 (the "Reimbursement Agreement"), between the
Borrower and the Bank.

     In order to induce you to enter into the Purchase Contract and to make the
sale and purchase and reoffering of the Bonds therein contemplated, the Borrower
hereby represents, warrants and agrees with each of you as follows:
<PAGE>
 
          (a)  The Borrower is a corporation, organized and validly existing
     under the laws of the State of California, has full legal right, power and
     authority to enter into this Letter of Representation, the Loan Agreement,
     the Reimbursement Agreement and the Remarketing Agreement, to approve the
     Purchase Contract and to carry out and consummate all transactions
     contemplated by this Letter of Representation, the Loan Agreement, the
     Reimbursement Agreement, the Remarketing Agreement, the Tax Regulatory
     Agreement and the Purchase Contract and by proper action has duly
     authorized the execution and delivery of this Letter of Representation, the
     Loan Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement, the Tax Regulatory Agreement
     and the Remarketing Agreement and the approval of the Purchase Contract.

          (b)  The officer of the Borrower executing this Letter of
     Representation, the Loan Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement and the
     Remarketing Agreement and approving the Purchase Contract is duly and
     properly authorized to execute the same.

          (c)  The Purchase Contract has been duly approved by, and this Letter
     of Representation, the Loan Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement, the Tax
     Regulatory Agreement and the Remarketing Agreement have been duly
     authorized, executed and delivered by the Borrower. The Loan Agreement,
     when assigned to the Trustee pursuant to the Indenture, will constitute the
     legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower to the Trustee
     enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms for the
     benefit of the owners of the Bonds; except as enforcement of the Loan
     Agreement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium,
     reorganization, fraudulent conveyance laws, laws affecting the enforcement
     of creditors rights, the application of equitable principles and judicial
     discretion, and by the covenant of good faith and fair dealing which may be
     implied by law into contracts. This Letter of Representation, the
     Reimbursement Agreement, the Remarketing Agreement and the Tax Regulatory
     Agreement and any rights of the Authority and obligations of the Borrower
     under the Loan Agreement not so assigned to the Trustee will constitute the
     legal, valid and binding agreements of the Borrower enforceable against the
     Borrower in accordance with their respective terms; except as enforcement
     of each of the above-named documents may be limited by bankruptcy,
     insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance laws, laws
     affecting the enforcement of creditors rights, the application of equitable
     principles and judicial discretion, and by the covenant of good faith and
     fair dealing which may be implied by law into contracts.

          (d)  The Borrower is not in any material way in breach of or default
     under (i) any applicable law or administrative regulation of the State of
     California or the United States or any applicable judgment or decree or
     (ii) any material loan agreement, indenture, bond, note, resolution,
     agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or is otherwise
     subject, and no event has occurred and is continuing which, with the
     passage of time or the giving of notice or both, would constitute an event
     of default under any such instrument.

          (e)  The approval of the Purchase Contract and the Official Statement;
     the execution and delivery of the Loan Agreement, the Reimbursement
     Agreement, the Tax Regulatory Agreement, the Remarketing Agreement and this
     Letter of Representation; the 

                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
     consummation of the transactions herein and therein contemplated; and the
     fulfillment of or compliance with the terms and conditions hereof and
     thereof will not conflict with or constitute a violation or breach of or
     default (with due notice or the passage of time or both) under the
     Borrower's Organization Documents (as defined in the Indenture), or any
     applicable law or administrative rule or regulation, or any applicable
     court or administrative decree or order, or, to the knowledge of the
     Borrower, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease,
     contract or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by
     which it or its properties are otherwise subject or bound, or result in the
     creation or imposition of any prohibited lien, charge or encumbrance of any
     nature whatsoever upon any of the Borrower's assets, which conflict,
     violation, breach, default, lien, charge or encumbrance might have
     consequences that would materially and adversely affect the consummation of
     the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Contract, the Indenture, the
     Loan Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement, the Remarketing Agreement, the
     Tax Regulatory Agreement, this Letter of Representation or the Official
     Statement or the financial condition, assets, properties or operations of
     the Borrower.

          (f)  No consent or approval of any trustee or holder of any
     indebtedness of the Borrower, and no consent, permission, authorization,
     order or license of, or filing or registration with, any governmental
     authority (except in connection with Blue Sky proceedings) is necessary in
     connection with the execution and delivery of this Letter of
     Representation, the Loan Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement, the Tax
     Regulatory Agreement or the Remarketing Agreement; the approval of the
     Purchase Contract; or the consummation of any transaction therein or herein
     contemplated on the part of the Borrower, except as have been obtained or
     made and as are in full force and effect or, as appropriate, will be in
     full force and effect at the Closing. The Borrower makes no representation
     as to any approvals or actions as may be required under any state Blue Sky
     or federal securities laws.

          (g)  There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation
     before or by any court or federal, state, municipal or other government
     authority pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against
     or affecting the Borrower or its assets, properties or operations which, if
     determined adversely to the Borrower or the interests thereof, would have a
     material and adverse effect upon the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated by or the validity of the Purchase Contract, the Loan
     Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement, the Remarketing Agreement, the Tax
     Regulatory Agreement, this Letter of Representation or the Official
     Statement or upon the financial condition, assets, properties or operations
     of the Borrower, and the Borrower is not in default with respect to any
     order or decree of any court or any order, regulation or demand of any
     federal, state, municipal or other governmental authority, which default
     would materially and adversely affect the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated by the Purchase Contract, the Loan Agreement, the
     Reimbursement Agreement, the Remarketing Agreement, the Tax Regulatory
     Agreement, this Letter of Representation, the Official Statement or the
     financial condition, assets, properties or operations of the Borrower.

                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
          (h)  The Borrower has obtained or will obtain all variances from
     applicable zoning ordinances and has obtained or will obtain in due course
     all building permits and easements or licenses for the acquisition,
     construction and equipping of the Project (as said term is defined in the
     Indenture), to the extent and as such Project is described in the Official
     Statement, and such variances, permits, easements and licenses constitute
     all approvals required for the Project; and the Project should not be
     subject to change by any administrative or judicial body so as to
     materially affect such acquisition and construction. The Project has
     complied with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.

          (i)  The Borrower hereby agrees to pay the expenses described in
     Paragraph 10(a) of the Purchase Contract, and to pay any expenses incurred
     in amending or supplementing the Official Statement pursuant to the
     Purchase Contract.

          (j)  As of the date hereof, the Official Statement, as amended or
     supplemented pursuant to the Purchase Contract or this Letter of
     Representation, if applicable, does not and will not contain as of the
     Closing any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
     fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
     therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
     misleading.

          (k)  If between the date hereof and the date of the Closing any event
     shall occur which might or would cause the Official Statement, as then
     supplemented or amended, to contain an untrue statement of a material fact
     or to omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
     under which they were made, not misleading, the Borrower shall notify the
     Authority and the Underwriter and if in the opinion of the Borrower, the
     Authority or the Underwriter such event requires the preparation and
     publication of a supplement or amendment to the Official Statement, the
     Authority will request the Borrower to cause the Official Statement to be
     amended or supplemented in a form and in a manner approved by the
     Underwriter.

          (l)  After the Closing, the Borrower (i) will not participate in the
     issuance of any amendment of or supplement to the Official Statement to
     which, after being furnished with a copy, the Underwriter or the Authority
     shall reasonably object in writing or which shall be disapproved by counsel
     for the Underwriter or the Authority and (ii) if any event relating to or
     affecting the Authority or the Borrower or its present or proposed
     facilities shall occur as a result of which it is necessary, in the opinion
     of counsel for the Underwriter or the Authority, to amend or supplement the
     Official Statement in order to make the Official Statement not misleading
     in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a
     purchaser, forthwith prepare and furnish to the Underwriter and the
     Authority (at the expense of the Borrower) a reasonable number of copies of
     an amendment of or supplement to the Official Statement (in form and
     substance satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriter and counsel to the
     Authority) which will amend or supplement the Official Statement so that it
     will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
     material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the
     light of the circumstances existing at the time the Official Statement is
     delivered to purchaser, not misleading. For the purposes of this
     subsection, the Authority 

                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
     and the Borrower will furnish such information as the Underwriter may from
     time to time reasonably request.

          (m)  The Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Authority
     and the Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls (as such term is
     defined in Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) the
     Authority and the Underwriter and their officers, agents, employees,
     advisors and attorneys against any and all judgments, losses, claims,
     damages, liabilities and expenses (i) arising out of any statement or
     information in the Official Statement, relating to the Borrower and the
     Project, that is or is alleged to be untrue or incorrect in any material
     respect or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of any statement or
     information that should be stated therein or that is necessary to make the
     statements therein relating to the Borrower and the Project not misleading
     in any material respect, and (ii) to the extent of the aggregate amount
     paid in settlement of any litigation commenced or threatened arising from a
     claim based upon any such untrue statement or omission if such settlement
     is effected with the written consent of the Borrower. In case any claim
     shall be made or action brought against the Authority or the Underwriter or
     any controlling person based upon the Official Statement for which
     indemnity may be sought against the Borrower, as provided above, such party
     shall promptly notify the Borrower in writing setting forth the particulars
     of such claim or action and the Borrower shall assume the defense thereof,
     including the retaining of counsel acceptable to such party and the payment
     of all expenses. The Authority and the Underwriter or any such controlling
     person shall have the right to retain separate counsel in any such action
     and to participate in the defense thereof but shall bear the fees and
     expenses of such counsel unless (A) the Borrower shall have specifically
     authorized the retaining of such counsel or (B) the parties to such suit
     include such Underwriter or controlling person or persons, and the Borrower
     and such Underwriter or controlling person or persons have been advised by
     such counsel that one or more legal defenses may be available to it or them
     which may not be available to the Borrower, in which case the Borrower
     shall not be entitled to assume the defense of such suit notwithstanding
     its obligation to bear the fees and expenses of such counsel.

          (n)  In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in
     circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in Paragraph (m)
     hereof is applicable but for any reason is held to be unavailable from the
     Borrower, the Borrower and the Underwriter shall contribute to the
     aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including any
     investigation, legal and other expenses incurred in connection with, and
     any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any
     claims asserted, but after deducting any contribution received by the
     Borrower from persons who control the Borrower within the meaning of
     Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 15 of the
     Securities Act of 1933, as amended (collectively, the "Securities Acts"),
     to which the Borrower and the Underwriter may be subject in such
     proportions that the Underwriter are responsible for that portion
     represented by the percentage that the underwriting discount or fee
     received by the Underwriter bears to the offering price of the Bonds and
     the Borrower is responsible for the balance; provided, however, that (i) in
     no case shall the Underwriter be responsible for any amount in excess of
     the underwriting fee or discount applicable to the Bonds purchased by such
     Underwriter pursuant to the Purchase
  
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
       Contract and (ii) no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation
       (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, as
       amended) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
       guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this
       Paragraph (n), each person, if any, who controls the Underwriter within
       the meaning of the Securities Acts, shall have the same rights to
       contribution as the Underwriter, and each person, if any, who controls
       the Borrower within the meaning of the Securities Acts shall have the
       same rights to contribution as the Borrower, subject in each case to
       clauses (i) and (ii) of this Paragraph (n). Any party entitled to
       contribution will, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of
       any action, suit or proceeding against such party in respect of which a
       claim for contribution may be made against another party or parties under
       this Paragraph (n), notify such party or parties from whom contribution
       may be sought, but the omission to so notify such party from whom
       contribution may be sought shall not relieve the party or parties from
       whom contribution may be sought from any other obligation it or they may
       have hereunder or otherwise than under this Paragraph (n). No party shall
       be liable for contribution with respect to any action or claims settled
       without its consent.

    The representations, warranties, agreements and indemnities herein shall
survive the Closing under the Purchase Contract and any investigation made by or
on behalf of the Authority and the Underwriter or any person who controls the
Authority or the Underwriter of any matters described in or related to the
transactions contemplated hereby and by the Purchase Contract, the Official
Statement, the Loan Agreement, the Remarketing Agreement and the Indenture.

                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
     This Letter of Representation shall be binding upon the Borrower and shall
inure solely to the benefit of the Authority, the Underwriter and, to the extent
set forth herein, persons controlling the Authority and the Underwriter, and
their respective officers, employees, agents, advisors, attorneys and personal
representatives, successors and assigns, and no other person or firm shall
acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Letter of Representation.

                                          Very truly yours,

                                          PROVENA FOODS INC.


                                          By /s/ Thomas J. Mulaney
                                            -------------------------
                                               Authorized Signatory

                                      A-7

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.44
=============================================================================== 





                            TAX REGULATORY AGREEMENT
                                        

                                        
                                  by and among


              CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY


                     U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
                                  as Trustee,

                                      and


                               PROVENA FOODS INC.
                                  
                                        
                          Dated as of October 1, 1998


                                        
                  Executed as Part of the Proceedings for the

                         Authorization and Issuance of:
                                        

                                   $4,000,000
              California Economic Development Financing Authority
                              Variable Rate Demand
               Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1998
                         (Provena Foods Inc. Project)



                                        
================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

(This Table of Contents is for convenience of reference only and is not part of
the Tax Regulatory Agreement.)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----


                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS
<S>                                                                                                               <C> 
Section 1.01.  Definitions.......................................................................................   1
Section 1.02.  Reliance on Borrower's Information................................................................  11

                                  ARTICLE II

                    CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS BY THE BORROWER

Section 2.01.  Description of the Project and Description of the Facilities......................................  11
Section 2.02.  Capital Expenditures..............................................................................  12
Section 2.03.  Prior Issues and $40 Million Limit................................................................  13
Section 2.04.  Federal Tax Return Information....................................................................  13
Section 2.05.  Composite Issues..................................................................................  13
Section 2.06.  Prohibited Uses...................................................................................  14
Section 2.07.  No Composite Project..............................................................................  14
Section 2.08.  Acquisition of Existing Property..................................................................  14
Section 2.09.  Land Acquisition Limit and No Acquisition of Farmland.............................................  14
Section 2.10.  Representations by the Borrower for Purposes of IRS Form 8038.....................................  15 

                                  ARTICLE III

                             USE OF BOND PROCEEDS

Section 3.01.  Anticipated Use of Proceeds.......................................................................  16
Section 3.02.  Certification as to Costs of the Project..........................................................  16

                                  ARTICLE IV

                                   ARBITRAGE

Section 4.01.  Arbitrage Representations and Elections...........................................................  16
Section 4.02.  Arbitrage Compliance..............................................................................  18
Section 4.03.  Calculation of Rebate Amount......................................................................  19
Section 4.04.  Payment to United States..........................................................................  21
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>                                                                                                               <C> 
Section 4.05.  Recordkeeping.....................................................................................  22
Section 4.06.  Rebate Analyst....................................................................................  22

                                   ARTICLE V

COMPLIANCE WITH CODE.............................................................................................  23

                                  ARTICLE VI

TERM OF TAX REGULATORY AGREEMENT.................................................................................  24

                                  ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS.......................................................................................................  25

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                          EVENTS OF DEFAULT, REMEDIES

Section 8.01.  Events of Default.................................................................................  25
Section 8.02.  Remedies for an Event of Default..................................................................  25

</TABLE> 

EXHIBIT A-1  SOURCES AND USES OF FUNDS

EXHIBIT A-2  PROPERTY FINANCED OR REFINANCED BY THE BONDS

EXHIBIT B-1  FORM OF PROVIDER CERTIFICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT

EXHIBIT B-2  FORM OF PROVIDER CERTIFICATION FOR AN INVESTMENT CONTRACT

EXHIBIT B-3  FORM OF BORROWER'S CERTIFICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT
             INVOLVING THREE BIDS

EXHIBIT C    USEFUL LIFE CALCULATION


EXHIBIT D    DECLARATION OF OFFICIAL INTENT


                                      ii
<PAGE>
 
                            TAX REGULATORY AGREEMENT

     THIS TAX REGULATORY AGREEMENT (this "Tax Regulatory Agreement") is made and
dated as of October 1, 1998, by and among CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FINANCING AUTHORITY and its successors or assigns (the "Authority"), PROVENA
FOODS INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the
State of California and its successors or assigns (the "Borrower"), and U.S.
BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, solely in its capacity as trustee under the
Indenture, as defined below (the "Trustee");


                              W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, the Authority has authorized the issuance of $4,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of its Variable Rate Demand Industrial Development Revenue
Bonds, Series 1998 (Provena Foods Inc. Project) (the "Bonds"), the proceeds of
which are being loaned to the Borrower pursuant to a Loan Agreement, dated as of
October 1, 1998, between the Authority and the Borrower (the "Agreement"), to
finance the construction and installation of a manufacturing facility and the
acquisition of certain manufacturing equipment, as more fully set forth in the
Agreement (the "Project") and to pay a portion of the costs of issuance of the
Bonds;

     WHEREAS, the Borrower will use the Project in the manufacture of meat
products or for the manufacture of other tangible personal property; and

     WHEREAS, the Authority has determined that the issuance, sale and delivery
of the Bonds is needed to finance the Project; and

     WHEREAS, this Tax Regulatory Agreement has been entered into by the
Authority, the Borrower and the Trustee to ensure compliance with the provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Regulations thereunder
(the "Code"); and

     WHEREAS, to ensure that interest on the Bonds will be and remain excludable
from gross income under the Code, the restrictions listed in this Tax Regulatory
Agreement must be satisfied.


     NOW THEREFORE, the Authority, the Borrower and the Trustee hereby agree as
follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS

     Section 1.01.    Definitions. The following words and phrases shall have
the following meanings. Any capitalized word or term used herein but not defined
herein shall have the same meaning given in the hereinafter defined Indenture.

     "Abusive Arbitrage Device" means any action which has the effect of (a)
enabling the Authority or the Borrower to exploit the difference between taxable
and tax-exempt interest rates 

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
to obtain a material financial advantage; and (b) overburdening the tax-exempt
bond market as defined in (S) 1.148-10 of the Regulations.

     "Accounting Method" means both the overall method used to account for the
Gross Proceeds of the Bonds (e.g., the cash method or a modified accrual method)
and the method used to account for or allocate any particular item within that
overall accounting method (e.g., accounting for Investments, Expenditures,
allocations to and from different sources and particular items of the
foregoing).

     "Agreement" means the Loan Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1998, between
the Authority and the Borrower, and any amendments and supplements thereto.

     "Average Economic Life" means the average reasonably expected economic life
of the Facilities as defined in (S) 147(b) of the Code.


     "Average Maturity" means the average maturity of the Bonds as defined in
(S) 147(b) of the Code.

     "Bond Counsel" means a law firm of nationally recognized bond counsel who
is requested to deliver its approving opinion with respect to the issuance of
and the exclusion from federal income taxation of interest on the Bonds.

     "Bond Year" means the period commencing October 1 of each calendar year and
terminating on September 30 of the immediately succeeding calendar year during
the term of the Bonds, except that the first Bond Year shall commence on the
Date of Issuance and end on September 30, 1999 (unless a different period is
required by the Regulations or selected by the Borrower pursuant to the
Regulations).

     "Bond Yield" means the Yield of the Bonds calculated in accordance with
Section 1.148-4 of the Regulations.

     "Borrower" means Provena Foods Inc., a corporation duly organized and
existing under the laws of the State of California or any entity which is the
surviving, resulting or transferee entity in any merger, consolidation or
transfer permitted under the Agreement.

     "Capital Expenditure" means any cost of a type that is for the acquisition,
construction, reconstruction or improvement of land or property of a character
subject to the allowance for depreciation.  For example, costs incurred to
acquire, construct, reconstruct or improve land, buildings and equipment
generally are Capital Expenditures.  Whether an expenditure is a capital
expenditure is determined at the time the expenditure is paid with respect to
the property.  Future changes in law do not affect whether an expenditure is a
capital expenditure.

     "Capital Project" means all Capital Expenditures that carry out the
governmental purpose of the Bonds.  For example, a Capital Project may include
Capital Expenditures for one or more building improvements or equipment, plus
related capitalized interest paid or accrued prior to the in-service date for
the Capital Project.


     "Class of Investments" means one of the following, each of which represents
a different 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
Class of Investments:

         (a)  Each category of yield restricted Purpose Investment and Program
     Investment, as defined in (S) 1.148-1(b), that is subject to a different
     definition of materially higher Yield under (S) 1.148-2(d)(2);

         (b)  Yield restricted Nonpurpose Investments; and

         (c)  All other Nonpurpose Investments.

     "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     "Computation Date" means the Initial Computation Date, an Installment
Computation Date or the Final Computation Date.

     "Computation Date Credit" means on the last day of each Bond Year during
which there are Gross Proceeds subject to the rebate requirement of Article IV
hereof, and on the Final Computation Date, the amount of $1,000.

     "Consistently Applied" means applied uniformly within a fiscal period and
between fiscal periods to account for Gross Proceeds of an issue and any amounts
that are in a commingled fund.

     "Costs of Issuance" means all costs incurred in connection with the
issuance of the Bonds, other than fees paid to or on behalf of credit enhancers
as fees for "qualified guarantees" as defined in (S) 1.148-4(f) of the
Regulations or to the Authority as a portion of its higher Yield permitted on
the Agreement under (S) 1.148-2(d)(2) of the Regulations.  Examples of Costs of
Issuance include (but are not limited to):

         (a)  underwriter's spread (whether realized directly or derived through
     purchase of the Bonds at a discount below the price at which a substantial
     number of the Bonds are sold to the public) or placement agent's fee;

         (b)  counsel fees (including bond counsel, underwriter's counsel,
     placement agent's counsel, issuer's counsel, borrower's counsel, trustee's
     counsel, and any other specialized counsel fees incurred in connection with
     the issuance of the Bonds);

         (c)  financial advisor fees incurred in connection with the issuance of
     the Bonds;

         (d)  rating agency fees (except for any such fee that is paid in
     connection with or as a part of the fee for credit enhancement of the
     Bonds);

         (e)  trustee fees incurred in connection with the issuance of the
     Bonds;

         (f)  accountant fees incurred in connection with the issuance of the
     Bonds;

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
         (g)  printing costs (for the Bonds and of the preliminary and final
     offering circulars or official statements);

         (h)  costs incurred in connection with the required public approval
     process (e.g., publication costs for public notices generally and costs of
     the public hearing); and

         (i)  Authority fees to cover administrative costs and expenses incurred
     in connection with the issuance of the Bonds.

     "Costs of Issuance Fund" means the Costs of Issuance Fund established
pursuant to the Indenture.

     "Current Outlay of Cash" means an outlay reasonably expected to occur not
later than 5 banking days after the date as of which the allocation of Gross
Proceeds to the Expenditure is made.


     "Date of Issuance" means October 7, 1998.

     "Discharged" means, with respect to any Bond, the date on which all amounts
due with respect to such Bond are actually and unconditionally due, if cash is
available at the place of payment, and no interest accrues with respect to such
Bond after such date.

     "Economic Accrual Method" (also known as the constant interest method or
actuarial method) means the method of computing Yield that is based on the
compounding of interest at the end of each compounding period.

     "Expenditure" means a book or record entry which allocates Proceeds of the
Bonds in connection with a Current Outlay of Cash.

     "Facilities" means the Manufacturing Facility financed or refinanced with
the Proceeds of the Bonds and described in Exhibit A-2 hereto.

     "Fair Market Value" means the price at which a willing buyer would purchase
an Investment from a willing seller in a bona fide, arm's-length transaction.
Fair Market Value generally is determined on the date on which a contract to
purchase or sell the Nonpurpose Investment becomes binding (i.e., the trade date
rather than the settlement date).  Except as otherwise provided in this
definition, an Investment that is not of a type traded on an established
securities market (within the meaning of (S) 1273 of the Code), is rebuttably
presumed to be acquired or disposed of for a price that is not equal to its Fair
Market Value.  The Fair Market Value of a United States Treasury obligation that
is purchased directly from the United States Treasury is its purchase price.
The following guidelines shall apply for purposes of determining the Fair Market
Value of the obligations described below:

         (a)  Certificates of Deposit. The purchase of certificates of deposit
     with fixed interest rates, fixed payment schedules and substantial
     penalties for early withdrawal will be deemed to be an Investment purchased
     at its Fair Market Value on the purchase date if the Yield on the
     certificate of deposit is not less than:

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
         (i)  The Yield on reasonably comparable direct obligations of the
     United States; and

         (ii) The highest Yield that is published or posted by the provider to
     be currently available from the provider on reasonably comparable
     certificates of deposit offered to the public.

     (b)  Guaranteed Investment Contracts. A Guaranteed Investment Contract is a
Nonpurpose Investment that has specifically negotiated withdrawal or
reinvestment provisions and a specifically negotiated interest rate, and also
includes any agreement to supply Investments on two or more future dates (e.g.,
a forward supply contract). The purchase price of a Guaranteed Investment
Contract is treated as its Fair Market Value on the purchase date if:

         (i)  The Borrower makes a bona fide solicitation for a specified
     Guaranteed Investment Contract and receives at least three bona fide bids
     from providers that have no material financial interest in the issue (e.g.,
     as underwriters or brokers);

         (ii) The Borrower purchases the highest-Yielding Guaranteed Investment
     Contract for which a qualifying bid is made (determined net of broker's
     fees);

         (iii)  The Yield on the Guaranteed Investment Contract (determined net
     of broker's fees) is not less than the Yield then available from the
     provider on reasonably comparable Guaranteed Investment Contracts, if any,
     offered to other persons from a source of funds other than gross proceeds
     of tax-exempt bonds;

         (iv) The determination of the terms of the Guaranteed Investment
     Contract takes into account as a significant factor the Borrower's
     reasonably expected drawdown schedule for the amounts to be invested,
     exclusive of amounts deposited in debt service funds and reasonably
     required reserve or replacement funds;

         (v)  The terms of the Guaranteed Investment Contract, including
     collateral security requirements, are reasonable; and

         (vi) The obligor on the Guaranteed Investment Contract certifies the
     administrative costs that it is paying (or expects to pay) to third parties
     in connection with the Guaranteed Investment Contract.

     "Final Computation Date" means the date the last Bond is Discharged.

     "Future Value" means the Value of a Receipt or Payment at the end of any
interval as determined by using the Economic Accrual Method and equals the Value
of that Payment or Receipt when it is paid or received (or treated as paid or
received), plus interest assumed to be 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
earned and compounded over the period at a rate equal to the Yield on the Bonds,
using the same compounding interval and financial conventions used to compute
the Yield on the Bonds.


     "Gross Proceeds" means any Proceeds or Replacement Proceeds of the Bonds.

     "Indenture" means, the Indenture of Trust, dated as of October 1, 1998,
between the Authority and the Trustee, and any amendments and supplements
thereto.


     "Initial Computation Date" means the date a rebate calculation is required,
if any, pursuant to Section 3.03(c) of the Indenture.

     "Installment Computation Date" means the last day of the fifth Bond Year
and each succeeding fifth Bond Year as stated in Section 4.01 hereof or the last
day of any Bond Year prior to the fifth Bond Year selected by the Borrower.

     "Interest Collateral Account" means the interest bearing deposit account
established by the Borrower with the Bank pursuant to Section 2.09 of the
Reimbursement Agreement to reimburse the Bank for draws made by the Trustee
under the letter of credit to the pay the interest on the Bonds and the
principal of the Bonds in connection with the optional redemption of Bonds as
required by the Reimbursement Agreement.

     "Investment" means any Purpose Investment or Nonpurpose Investment,
including any other tax-exempt bond.

     "Investment Instructions" means the letter of instructions set forth as an
exhibit to the No Arbitrage Certificate of the Authority dated the Date of
Issuance.

     "Investment Proceeds" means any amounts actually or constructively received
from investing Proceeds of the Bonds.

     "Investment-Type Property" means any property, other than property
described in (S) 148(b)(2)(A), (B), (C) or (E) of the Code that is held
principally as a passive vehicle for the production of income.  Except as
otherwise provided, a prepayment for property or services is Investment-Type
Property if a principal purpose for prepaying is to receive an Investment return
from the time the prepayment is made until the time payment otherwise would be
made.  A prepayment is not Investment-Type Property if--

         (a)  The prepayment is made for a substantial business purpose other
     than Investment return and the issuer has no commercially reasonable
     alternative to the prepayment, or

         (b)  Prepayments on substantially the same terms are made by a
     substantial percentage of persons who are similarly situated to the issuer
     but who are not beneficiaries of tax-exempt financing.

     "Issue Price" means, except as otherwise provided, issue price as defined
in (S)(S) 1273 and 1274 of the Code.  Generally, the Issue Price of bonds that
are publicly offered is the first price at which a substantial amount of the
bonds is sold to the public.  Ten percent is a substantial 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
amount. The public does not include bond houses, brokers or similar persons or
organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters or wholesalers. The Issue
Price does not change if part of the issue is later sold at a different price.
The Issue Price of bonds that are not substantially identical is determined
separately. The Issue Price of bonds for which a bona fide public offering is
made is determined as of the sale date based upon reasonable expectations
regarding the initial public offering price. If a bond is issued for property,
the applicable Federal tax-exempt rate is used in lieu of the Federal rate in
determining the Issue Price under (S) 1274 of the Code. The issue price of bonds
may not exceed their Fair Market Value as of the sale date. With respect to the
Bonds, the Issue Price is $4,000,000.

     "Manufacturing Facility" means a Capital Project that is used in the
manufacturing or production of tangible personal property (including the
processing resulting in a change in the condition of such property) including
facilities that are directly related and ancillary to a Manufacturing Facility
if such directly related and ancillary facilities are located on the same site
as the Manufacturing Facility and not more than 25% of the proceeds of an issue
that finances the Manufacturing Facility are used to provide such directly
related and ancillary facilities.

     "Net Sale Proceeds" means Sale Proceeds, less the portion of those Sale
Proceeds invested in a reasonably required reserve or replacement fund under (S)
148(d) of the Code and as part of a minor portion under (S) 148(e) of the Code.

     "Nonpurpose Investment" means any security, obligation, annuity contract or
Investment type property as defined in (S) 148(b) of the Code, including
"specified private activity bonds" as defined in (S) 57(a)(5)(c) of the Code,
but excluding all other obligations the interest on which is excludable from
federal gross income.  The term "Nonpurpose Investment" does not include the
Borrower's obligations to make payments to the Authority pursuant to the
provisions of the Agreement.

     "Payments" means, for purposes of computing the Rebate Amount, (a) amounts
actually or constructively paid to acquire a Nonpurpose Investment (or treated
as paid to a commingled fund); (b) for a Nonpurpose Investment that is allocated
to an issue on a date after it is actually acquired (e.g., an Investment that
becomes allocable to Transferred Proceeds or to Replacement Proceeds) or that
becomes subject to the rebate requirement of the Code on a date after it is
actually acquired (e.g., an Investment allocated to a reasonably required
reserve or replacement fund for a construction issue at the end of the two-year
spending period), the Value of that Investment on that date; (c) for a
Nonpurpose Investment that was allocated to an issue at the end of the preceding
computation period, the Value of that Investment at the beginning of the
computation period; (d) on the last day of each Bond Year during which there are
amounts allocated to Gross Proceeds of an issue that are subject to the rebate
requirement of the Code, and on the final maturity date, a Computation Date
Credit; and (e) Yield Reduction Payments on Nonpurpose Investments made pursuant
to (S) 1.148-5(c) of the Regulations.  For purposes of computing the Yield on an
Investment (including the Value of the Investment), Payment means amounts to be
actually or constructively paid to acquire the Investment; provided, however,
that payments made by a conduit borrower, such as the Borrower, are not treated
as paid until the conduit borrower ceases to receive the benefit of earnings on
those amounts.   Payments on Investments, including Guaranteed Investment
Contracts, are adjusted for Qualified Administrative Costs of acquiring a
Nonpurpose Investment.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
     "Pre-Issuance Accrued Interest" means amounts representing interest that
accrued on an obligation for a period not greater than one year before the Date
of Issuance but only if those amounts are paid within one year after the Date of
Issuance.

     "Principal User" means a person who is a principal owner, principal lessee,
a principal output purchaser or "other" principal user and any Related Person to
a Principal User.  A principal owner is a person who at any time holds more than
a 10% ownership interest (by value) in a facility or, if no person holds more
than a 10% ownership interest, then the person (or persons in the case of
multiple equal owners) who holds the largest ownership interest in the facility.
A person is treated as holding an ownership interest if such person is an owner
for federal income tax purposes generally.  A principal lessee is a person who
at any time leases more than 10% of the facility (disregarding portions used by
the lessee under a short-term lease).  The portion of a facility leased to a
lessee is generally determined by reference to its fair rental value.  A short-
term lease is one which has a term of one year or less, taking into account all
options to renew and reasonably anticipated renewals.  A principal output
purchaser is any person who purchases output of a facility, unless the total
output purchased by such person during each one-year period beginning with the
date such facility is placed in service is 10% or less of such facility's output
during each such period.  An "other" principal user is a person who enjoys a use
of a facility (other than a short-term use) in a degree comparable to the
enjoyment of a principal owner or a principal lessee, taking into account all
the relevant facts and circumstances, such as the person's participation in
control over use of such facility or its remote or proximate geographic
location.

     "Prior Issues" means any issue of tax-exempt obligations (whether or not
the issuer of each issue is the same) to which Section 103(b)(6) of the 1954
Code or Section 144(a) of the Code applies.

     "Proceeds" means any Sale Proceeds, Investment Proceeds and Transferred
Proceeds of an issue.  Proceeds do not include, however, amounts actually or
constructively received with respect to a Purpose Investment that are properly
allocable to the immaterially higher Yield under (S) 1.148-2(d) of the
Regulations or section 143(g) of the Code or to Qualified Administrative Costs
recoverable under (S) 1.148-5(e) of the Regulations.


     "Project" has the meaning given to such term in the preambles hereto.

     "Project Fund" means the Project Fund established pursuant to the
Indenture.

     "Purchase Fund" means the Purchase Fund established pursuant to the
Indenture.

     "Purpose Investment" means an Investment that is acquired to carry out the
governmental purpose of an issue.  The Agreement constitutes a Purpose
Investment.

     "Qualified Administrative Costs" means reasonable, direct administrative
costs, other than carrying costs, such as separately stated brokerage or selling
commissions, but not legal and accounting fees, recordkeeping, custody and
similar costs.  General overhead costs and similar indirect costs of the issuer
such as employee salaries and office expenses and costs associated with
computing the Rebate Amount are not Qualified Administrative Costs.  In general,


                                       8
<PAGE>
 
administrative costs are not reasonable unless they are comparable to
administrative costs that would be charged for the same Investment or a
reasonably comparable Investment if acquired with a source of funds other than
Gross Proceeds of tax-exempt bonds.

     "Qualified Hedging Transaction" means a contract which meets the
requirements of (S) 1.148-4(h)(2) of the Regulations.

     "Rebate Amount" means the excess of the Future Value of all Receipts on
Nonpurpose Investments over the Future Value of all the Payments on Nonpurpose
Investments.  Future Value is computed as of the Computation Date.  Rebate
Amount additionally includes any penalties and interest on underpayments reduced
for recoveries of overpayments.

     "Rebate Analyst" shall mean the entity chosen by the Borrower and the
Authority in accordance with Section 4.06 hereof to determine the amount of
required deposits to the Rebate Fund, if any.

     "Rebate Fund" means the Rebate Fund established pursuant to the Indenture.

     "Receipts" means, for purposes of computing the Rebate Amount, (a) amounts
actually or constructively received from a Nonpurpose Investment (including
amounts treated as received from a commingled fund), such as earnings and return
of principal; (b) for a Nonpurpose Investment that ceases to be allocated to an
issue before its disposition or redemption date (e.g., an Investment that
becomes allocable to Transferred Proceeds of another issue or that ceases to be
allocable to the issue pursuant to the universal cap under (S) 1.148-6 of the
Regulations) or that ceases to be subject to the rebate requirement of the Code
on a date earlier than its disposition or redemption date (e.g., an Investment
allocated to a fund initially subject to the rebate requirement of the Code but
that subsequently qualifies as a bona fide debt service fund), the Value of that
Nonpurpose Investment on that date; and (c) for a Nonpurpose Investment that is
held at the end of a computation period, the Value of that Investment at the end
of that period.  For purposes of computing Yield on an Investment, Receipts
means amounts to be actually or constructively received from the Investment,
such as earnings and return of principal (including the Value of an Investment).
Receipts on Investments, including Guaranteed Investment Contracts, are adjusted
(reduced) for Qualified Administrative Costs.

     "Recomputation Event" means a transfer, waiver, modification or similar
transaction of any right that is part of the terms of the Bonds or a Qualified
Hedging Transaction is entered into, or terminated, in connection with the
Bonds.

     "Regulation" or "Regulations" means the temporary, proposed or final Income
Tax Regulations promulgated by the Department of the Treasury and applicable to
the Bonds, including (S)(S) 1.148-0 through 1.148-11, (S) 1.149 and (S)(S)
1.150-1 and 1.150-2 as issued by the Internal Revenue Service on October 18,
1993 for bonds issued after March 1, 1993, including any amendments made
thereto.

     "Related Person" means any person if (a) the relationship to such person
would result in a disallowance of loss under Sections 267 or 707(b) of the Code
or (b) such person is a member of the same controlled group of corporations (as
defined in Section 1563(a) of the Code, except 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
that "more than 50 percent" shall be substituted for "at least 80 percent" each
place it appears therein).

     "Replacement Proceeds" means amounts which have a sufficiently direct nexus
to the Bonds or to the governmental purpose of the Bonds to conclude that the
amounts would have been used for that governmental purpose if the Proceeds of
the Bonds were not used or to be used for that governmental purpose, as more
fully defined in (S) 1.148-1(c) of the Regulations.

     "Revenue Fund" means the Revenue Fund established pursuant to the
Indenture.

     "Sale Proceeds" means any amounts actually or constructively received from
the sale of the Bonds, including amounts used to pay underwriters' discount or
compensation or placement agent's fee and accrued interest other than Pre-
Issuance Accrued Interest.

     "SLGS" means United States Treasury Certificates of Indebtedness, Notes and
Bonds State and Local Government Series.

     "Tax Regulatory Agreement" means this Tax Regulatory Agreement.

     "Test-Period Beneficiary" means any person who is an owner or a Principal
User of facilities financed by an issue or issues of tax-exempt obligations
issued under the 1954 Code or the Code during the three-year period beginning on
the later of the date such facilities were placed in service or the date of
issuance for such issue or issues of tax-exempt obligations.  For purposes of
determining whether a person is a Test-Period Beneficiary, all persons who are
Related Persons shall be treated as one person.

     "Transferred Proceeds" means Proceeds of a refunding issue which become
transferred proceeds of a refunding issue and cease to be Proceeds of a prior
issue when Proceeds of the refunding issue discharge any of the outstanding
principal amount of the prior issue.  The amount of Proceeds of the prior issue
that become transferred proceeds of the refunding issue is an amount equal to
the Proceeds of the prior issue on the date of that discharge multiplied by a
fraction:

         (a)  The numerator of which is the principal amount of the prior issue
     discharged with Proceeds of the refunding issue on the date of that
     discharge; and

         (b)  The denominator of which is the total outstanding principal amount
     of the prior issue on the date immediately before the date of that
     discharge.

     "Universal Cap" means the Value of all outstanding Bonds.

     "Value" means Value as determined under (S) 1.148-4(e) of the Regulations
for a Bond and Value determined under (S) 1.148-5(d) of the Regulations for an
Investment.

     "Yield" means, for purposes of determining the Yield on the Bonds, the
Yield computed under the Economic Accrual Method using consistently applied
compounding intervals of not more than one year.  A short first compounding
interval and a short last compounding interval may be used.  Yield is expressed
as an annual percentage rate that is calculated to at least four 

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
decimal places (e.g., 5.2525%). Other reasonable, standard financial
conventions, such as the 30 days per month/360 days per year convention, may be
used in computing Yield but must be consistently applied. The Yield on an issue
that would be a Purpose Investment (absent (S) 148(b)(3)(A) of the Code) is
equal to the Yield on the conduit financing issue that financed that Purpose
Investment. The Yield on a fixed yield issue is the discount rate that, when
used in computing the present Value as of the issue date of all unconditionally
payable payments of principal, interest and fees for qualified guarantees on the
issue and amounts reasonably expected to be paid as fees for qualified
guarantees on the issue, produces an amount equal to the present Value, using
the same discount rate, of the aggregate issue price of bonds of the issue as of
the issue date. In the case of obligations purchased or sold at a substantial
discount or premium, the Regulations prescribe certain special Yield calculation
rules. For purposes of determining the Yield on an Investment, the Yield
computed under the Economic Accrual Method, using the same compounding interval
and financial conventions, shall be used to compute the Yield on the Bonds.

     The Yield on an Investment allocated to the Bonds is the discount rate
that, when used in computing the present Value as of the date the Investment is
first allocated to the issue of all unconditionally payable receipts from the
Investment, produces an amount equal to the present Value of all unconditionally
payable payments for the Investment.  The Yield on an Investment shall not be
adjusted by any hedging transaction entered into in connection with such
Investment unless the Authority, the Trustee and the Borrower have received an
opinion of Bond Counsel that such an adjustment is permitted by the Regulations.
Yield shall be calculated separately for each Class of Investments.

     "Yield Reduction Payment" means a payment to the United States with respect
to an Investment which is treated as a Payment for that Investment that reduces
the Yield on that Investment in accordance with (S) 1.148-5(c) of the
Regulations.  Yield Reduction Payments include Rebate Amounts paid to the United
States.

     "1954 Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, as in
effect on the effective date of the Code.

     Section 1.02.    Reliance on Borrower's Information.  Bond Counsel and the
Authority shall be permitted to rely upon the contents of any certification,
document or instructions provided pursuant to this Tax Regulatory Agreement and
shall not be responsible or liable in any way for the accuracy of their contents
or the failure of the Borrower to deliver any required information.

                                  ARTICLE II

                    CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS BY THE BORROWER

     Section 2.01. Description of the Project and Description of the Facilities.
The Borrower hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of the Authority,
the Trustee and the registered owners of the Bonds that:

                                      11
<PAGE>
 
         (a)  The description of the Project set forth in the preambles hereto
     and the description of the Facilities set forth in Exhibit A-2 hereto are
     true and accurate.

         (b)  The Facilities constitute a Manufacturing Facility of pepperoni,
     sausage and other meat products or facilities directly related and
     ancillary to such Manufacturing Facility.

         (c)  The portion of the Facilities which constitutes directly related
     and ancillary facilities serves solely the manufacturing portion of the
     Facilities, is on the same site as the manufacturing portion of the
     Facilities and is financed with not more than 25% of the net Proceeds of
     the Bonds. In addition, with respect to the portion of the Facilities to be
     used for offices, not more than a de minimis amount of the functions to be
     performed at such offices is not directly related to day-to-day operations
     of the Facilities (e.g., a salesman's office is not related to day-to-day
     operations of the Facilities).

     Section 2.02.    Capital Expenditures.  The Borrower hereby represents and
warrants for the benefit of the Authority, the Trustee and the registered owners
of the Bonds that:

         (a)  During the period beginning three years before the Date of
     Issuance and ending on the Date of Issuance, the aggregate amount of
     Capital Expenditures (including any expenditure that was or could have been
     treated as a Capital Expenditure under any rule or election under the Code)
     paid or incurred, excluding those to be paid or reimbursed with Proceeds of
     the Bonds, with respect to (i) facilities located in the incorporated
     municipality (or unincorporated county) in which the Facilities are located
     and (ii) the Principal User of which was or is the Borrower, any other
     Principal User of the Facilities or any Related Person thereto, was
     $262,000.

         (b)  During the period beginning on the Date of Issuance and ending on
     the date three years after the Date of Issuance, the aggregate amount of
     Capital Expenditures (including any expenditure that was or could have been
     treated as a Capital Expenditure under any rule or election under the Code)
     expected to be incurred, excluding those to be paid or reimbursed with
     Proceeds of the Bonds, with respect to (i) facilities located in the
     incorporated municipality (or unincorporated county) in which the
     Facilities are located and (ii) the Principal User of which was or is the
     Borrower, any other Principal User of the Facilities or any Related Person
     thereto, is anticipated to be $4,630,000.

         (c)  The amount of capitalized interest to be paid on all financings
     for the Facilities excluding that paid from Proceeds of the Bonds is
     $200,000. The amount of capitalized interest to be paid in connection with
     the Facilities paid from Proceeds of the Bonds is $30,000.

         (d)  The sum of (i) the Capital Expenditures described in paragraph (a)
     above plus (ii) the actual Capital Expenditures to be incurred as described
     in paragraphs (b) and (c) plus (iii) the aggregate outstanding amount of
     all $1 million or $10 million exempt small issues set forth in Section
     2.03(a) below plus (iv) the greater of the Issue Price or the par amount of
     the Bonds shall not exceed $10 million.

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
         (e)  The information contained in subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d)
     above, which has been provided to the Authority to enable the Authority to
     elect to qualify the Bonds for the $10,000,000 exemption afforded by
     Section 144(a)(4) of the Code, is true, accurate and complete. The
     Authority hereby elects to issue the Bonds pursuant to the exemption
     afforded by Section 144(a)(4) of the Code.

         (f)  The Facilities will not be sold, leased or the use otherwise
     transferred to a person other than the Borrower, any other Principal User
     of the Facilities or any Related Person thereto identified as of the Date
     of Issuance during the three-year period ending three years after the Date
     of Issuance, unless the Borrower has received an approving opinion of Bond
     Counsel to the effect that such sale, lease or transfer will not adversely
     affect the tax-exempt status of the Bonds.

     Section 2.03.    Prior Issues and $40 Million Limit.  The Borrower hereby
represents and warrants for the benefit of the Authority, the Trustee and the
registered owners of the Bonds that:

         (a)  The aggregate face amount of all Prior Issues outstanding as of
     the Date of Issuance, the proceeds of which were or will be used to any
     extent with respect to facilities located in the incorporated municipality
     (or unincorporated county) in which the Facilities are located and the
     Principal Users of such facilities are the Borrower, any other Principal
     User of the Facilities or any Related Person thereto, is $-0-.

         (b)  The aggregate face amount of all Prior Issues and all exempt
     facility bonds, qualified redevelopment bonds and industrial development
     bonds as defined in the 1954 Code or the Code outstanding as of the Date of
     Issuance, the proceeds of which were used by or were allocated to the
     Borrower, any other Principal User of the Facilities or any Related Person
     thereto as a Test-Period Beneficiary is $-0-.

Section 2.04.    Federal Tax Return Information.  The Facilities have a SIC Code
Number of 2013.  The Borrower files its federal income tax return at the
Internal Revenue Service Center in Fresno, California.  The federal employer
identification number of the Borrower is 95-2782215.

Section 2.05.    Composite Issues.  The Borrower hereby represents and warrants
for the benefit of the Authority, the Trustee and the registered owners of the
Bonds that:

         (a)  During the period beginning 15 days prior to the sale date of the
     Bonds and ending 15 days thereafter none of the Borrower, any other
     Principal User of the Facilities or any Related Person thereto sold,
     guaranteed, arranged, participated in, assisted with, borrowed the proceeds
     of, or leased facilities financed by obligations issued under Section 103
     of the 1954 Code or Section 103 of the Code by any state or local
     governmental unit or any constituted authority empowered to issue
     obligations by or on behalf of any state or local governmental unit.

         (b)  During the period commencing on the Date of Issuance and ending 15
     days thereafter, there will be no obligations sold or issued under Section
     103 of the 1954 Code or the Code that are guaranteed by the Borrower, any
     other Principal User of the

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
     Facilities or any Related Person or which are issued with the assistance or
     participation of, or by arrangement with, the Borrower, any other Principal
     User of the Facilities or any Related Person without the written opinion of
     Bond Counsel to the effect that the issuance of such obligations will not
     adversely affect their opinion as to the exclusion from gross income for
     federal income tax purposes of interest with respect to the Bonds.

         (c)  Other than the Borrower, any other Principal User of the
     Facilities or any Related Person, no person (or Related Person to such
     other person) has (i) guaranteed, arranged, participated in, assisted with
     the issuance of, or paid any portion of the Costs of Issuance of the Bonds
     or (ii) provided any property or any franchise, trademark or trade name
     (within the meaning of Section 1253 of the Code) which is to be used in
     connection with the Facilities.

     Section 2.06. Prohibited Uses.  The Borrower hereby represents and warrants
for the benefit of the Authority, the Trustee and the registered owners of the
Bonds that no portion of the Proceeds of the Bonds is being used to provide a
facility, a purpose of which is retail food and beverage services, automobile
sales or service, or the provision of recreation or entertainment. No portion of
the proceeds of the Bonds is being used to provide any private or commercial
golf course, country club, health club, massage parlor, tennis club, skating
facility (including roller skating, skateboarding and ice skating), racquet
sports facility (including any handball, squash or racquetball court), hot tub
facility, suntan facility, racetrack, skybox or other luxury box, airplane,
store the principal business of which is the sale of alcoholic beverages for
consumption off premises, or facility used primarily for gambling. No portion of
the Proceeds of the Bonds is being used directly or indirectly to provide
residential real property for single- or multi-family units.

     Section 2.07. No Composite Project. The Borrower hereby represents and
warrants for the benefit of the Authority, the Trustee and the registered owners
of the Bonds that the Facilities are a stand-alone Manufacturing Facility
unconnected to any other facility and do not share any portion of substantial
common facilities with any other building (other than the Facilities), (b) an
enclosed shopping mall or (c) a strip of offices, stores or warehouses.

     Section 2.08. Acquisition of Existing Property. The Borrower hereby
represents and warrants for the benefit of the Authority, the Trustee and the
registered owners of the Bonds that no portion of the Proceeds of the Bonds will
be used to pay the cost of acquisition of real property (other than land or any
interest therein) the first use of which will not be pursuant to the acquisition
with the Proceeds of the Bonds.

     Section 2.09. Land Acquisition Limit and No Acquisition of Farmland. The
Borrower hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of the Authority, the
Trustee and the registered owners of the Bonds that:

         (a)  The amount of Proceeds of the Bonds expended for land will not
     exceed $484,000, which is not greater than 25% of the Proceeds of the
     Bonds.

         (b)  No portion of the Proceeds of the Bonds will be used directly or
     indirectly for the acquisition of land or any interest therein to be used
     for the purpose of farming.

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
     Section 2.10.    Representations by the Borrower for Purposes of IRS Form
8038. Section 149(e) of the Code requires as a condition to qualification for
tax-exemption that the Authority provide to the Secretary of the Treasury
certain information with respect to the Bonds and the application of the
proceeds derived therefrom. The following representations of the Borrower will
be relied upon by the Authority and Bond Counsel in satisfying this information
reporting requirement. Accordingly, the Borrower hereby represents, covenants
and warrants to the best of its knowledge, for the benefit of the Authority,
Bond Counsel and the registered owners of the Bonds, the truth and accuracy of
(c) through (t) below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                                        <C> 
(a)  Authority's employer identification number....................................... 68-0304653

(b)  Number of 8038 reports previously filed by the Authority this calendar year.............. 17

(c)  Issue price of the Bonds......................................................... $4,000,000

(d)  Proceeds used for Accrued Interest....................................................... $0

(e)  Costs of Issuance (including Underwriter's Discount)................................ $80,000

(f)  Reasonably required Reserve Fund Deposits................................................ $0

(g)  Proceeds used for Credit Enhancement..................................................... $0

(h)  Proceeds used to refund prior issue...................................................... $0

(i)  Nonrefunding Proceeds............................................................ $3,920,000

(j)  Date of final maturity of the Bonds......................................... October 1, 2023

(k)  Interest Rate on the final maturity of the Bonds......................................... VR

(l)  Issue price of the final maturity of the Bonds................................... $4,000,000

(m)  Issue price on the entire issue of the Bonds..................................... $4,000,000

(n)  Stated redemption price at maturity of the final maturity of the Bonds........... $4,000,000

(o)  Stated redemption price at maturity of the entire issue of the Bonds............. $4,000,000

(p)  Weighted average maturity of the entire issue of the Bonds.................... 24.9836 years

(q)  Yield on the entire issue of the Bonds................................................... VR

(r)  Net interest cost for the entire issue of the Bonds...................................... VR

(s)  The Standard Industrial Classification Code(s) for the Facilities is................... 2013

(t)  Type of Property financed by Nonrefunding Proceeds of the Bonds:
</TABLE> 


                                      15
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

<S>                                                                                          <C> 
     Land............................................................................... $484,000

     Buildings........................................................................ $3,436,000

     Equipment with recovery period of more than 5 years...................................... $0
 
     Equipment with recovery period of 5 years or less........................................ $0

     Other.................................................................................... $0

          Total....................................................................... $3,920,000
                                                                                       ========== 
</TABLE>

                                  ARTICLE III

                              USE OF BOND PROCEEDS

     Section 3.01.    Anticipated Use of Proceeds.  The Borrower covenants,
represents and warrants for the benefit of the Authority, the Trustee and the
registered owners of the Bonds that the Proceeds of the Bonds will be used in
the manner set forth in Exhibit A-2 hereto and that the Proceeds of the Bonds
will be invested in accordance with the Investment Instructions.

     Section 3.02.    Certification as to Costs of the Project. The Borrower
hereby certifies, with respect to the amounts shown in Exhibit A-1, that such
amounts consist only of costs which are directly related to and necessary for
the financing of the Project.

                                  ARTICLE IV

                                   ARBITRAGE

     Section 4.01.    Arbitrage Representations and Elections. In connection
with the issuance of the Bonds, the Borrower hereby represents, certifies and
warrants as follows:

         (a)  The Borrower has entered into contracts with third parties for the
     acquisition, construction and equipping of the Facilities obligating an
     expenditure in excess of 5% of the Net Sale Proceeds of the Bonds and the
     Borrower will proceed with due diligence in completing the Facilities and
     in allocating the Net Sale Proceeds of the Bonds to such Expenditures.

         (b)  The Borrower will use a reasonable, Consistently Applied
     Accounting Method to account for Gross Proceeds, Investments and
     Expenditures for the Bonds. The Borrower shall additionally use a
     Consistently Applied Accounting Method for allocating Proceeds of the Bonds
     to Expenditures, subject to the Current Outlay of Cash rule.

         (c)  The Borrower shall not commingle Proceeds of the Bonds with any
     other funds.

                                      16
<PAGE>
 
         (d)  In connection with the Bonds, there has not been created or
     established and the Borrower does not expect that there will be created or
     established, any sinking fund, pledged fund or similar fund (other than as
     specifically identified in the Indenture), including without limitation any
     arrangement under which money, securities or obligations are pledged
     directly or indirectly to secure the Bonds or any contract securing the
     Bonds or any arrangement providing for compensating or minimum balances to
     be maintained by the Borrower with any registered owner or credit enhancer
     of the Bonds, except the Interest Collateral Account.

         (e)  The allocation of Net Proceeds of the Bonds to the reimbursement
     portion of the costs of the Facilities will be made as of and completed on
     the Date of Issuance. The declaration of official intent required by (S)
     1.150-2 of the Regulations with respect to Net Proceeds of the Bonds used
     to reimburse the Borrower for certain Capital Expenditures made in
     connection with the Facilities is attached hereto as Exhibit D.

         (f)  The Borrower reasonably expects that 85% of the Net Sale Proceeds
     of the Bonds will be used to complete the Facilities within three years of
     the Date of Issuance and not more than 50% of the Proceeds of the Bonds
     will be invested in Nonpurpose Investments having a substantially
     guaranteed Yield for four years or more. The Borrower reasonably expects
     that the Net Sale Proceeds of the Bonds deposited to the Project Fund will
     be expended in accordance with the schedule contained in the No Arbitrage
     Certificate executed and delivered by the Authority in connection with the
     issuance and delivery of the Bonds.

         (g)  All funds and accounts established pursuant to the Indenture will
     be invested pursuant to the No Arbitrage Certificate executed by the
     Authority on the Date of Issuance and the Investment Instructions delivered
     to the Authority and the Borrower on the Date of Issuance.

         (h)  The Borrower will not enter into and will not direct the Trustee
     to engage in any Abusive Arbitrage Devises. If the Borrower directs the
     Trustee to invest any of the Gross Proceeds in certificates of deposit or
     pursuant to an investment contract or a certificate of deposit, the
     Borrower will obtain and provide to the Trustee certifications in the form
     attached hereto as Exhibit B.

         (i)  The Borrower hereby makes, and the Authority hereby accepts, the
     following elections and other choices pursuant to the Regulations with
     respect to the Bonds:

              (i)  The Borrower elects the bond year stated in the definition of
     the Bond Year.

              (ii) The Borrower elects to avail itself of all unrestricted yield
     investments granted in the Regulations for temporary period, reasonably
     required reserve fund and minor portion investments.

                                      17
<PAGE>
 
              (iii)  The Borrower elects to treat the last day of the fifth Bond
     Year (September 30, 2003) as the initial Installment Computation Date and
     the initial rebate payment date. The Borrower elects to treat the last day
     of each subsequent fifth Bond Year as subsequent Installment Computation
     Dates and subsequent rebate payment dates. The Borrower may change or
     adjust such dates as permitted by the Regulations.

              (iv) With respect to the Universal Cap, the Borrower as of the
     Date of Issuance does not expect that the operation of the Universal Cap
     will result in a reduction or reallocation of Gross Proceeds of the Bonds
     and that the Borrower (A) does not expect to pledge funds (other than those
     described in the Indenture) to the payment of the Bonds; (B) expects to
     expend Sale Proceeds of the Bonds within the expected temporary periods;
     and (C) does not expect to retire any of the Bonds earlier than shown in
     the Yield computations for the Bonds pursuant to this Article IV.

Section 4.02.    Arbitrage Compliance.

     (a)  The Borrower and the Authority acknowledge that the continued
exclusion of interest on the Bonds from gross income of the recipients thereof
for purposes of federal income taxation depends, in part, upon compliance with
the arbitrage limitations imposed by (S) 148 of the Code, including the rebate
requirement described in Section 4.03 below. The Borrower and the Authority
hereby agree and covenant that they shall not permit at any time or times any of
the Proceeds of the Bonds or other funds of the Borrower to be used, directly or
indirectly, to acquire any asset or obligation, the acquisition of which would
cause the Bonds to be "arbitrage bonds" for purposes of (S) 148 of the Code. The
Borrower further agrees and covenants that it shall, to the extent that any
Proceeds of the Bonds are invested in any Investment which is not Investment
Securities, do and perform all acts and things necessary in order to ensure that
the requirements of (S) 148 of the Code and the Regulations are met. To the
extent that Proceeds of the Bonds are invested in any Investment which is not an
Investment Security, the Borrower shall retain, at its own expense, a Rebate
Analyst to make such determinations and calculations as may be necessary in
order to ensure that the Borrower takes the actions described in Sections 4.02
through 4.06 hereof with respect to the Investment of Gross Proceeds on deposit
in the funds and accounts established under the Indenture. If the Borrower fails
to retain such a Rebate Analyst, the Authority shall, upon being notified in
writing of such failure, at the Borrower's expense, retain such a Rebate
Analyst. The Borrower shall direct the Trustee to make the required transfers
and dispositions described in Sections 4.02, 4.03 and 4.04 hereof, and the
Trustee may rely upon information provided by the Borrower.

     (b)  The Revenue Fund and the Purchase Fund will be used primarily to
achieve a proper matching of revenues and debt service on the Bonds within each
Bond Year. With respect to the Revenue Fund and the Purchase Fund: (i) to the
extent amounts are deposited therein, the Revenue Fund and the Purchase Fund
will be depleted at least once a year except for a carryover amount not to
exceed in the aggregate the greater of one-twelfth of the principal and interest
payments on the Bonds for the

                                      18
<PAGE>
 
immediately preceding Bond Year or the earnings on the Revenue Fund and the
Purchase Fund for the immediately preceding Bond Year; (ii) any amounts
contributed to the Revenue Fund and the Purchase Fund will be spent within
thirteen (13) months of the date of such contribution to pay debt service on the
Bonds; and (iii) any amount received from the investment or reinvestment of
moneys held in the Revenue Fund and the Purchase Fund will be spent within one
year of receipt thereof, all in accordance with the Indenture. To the extent the
provisions of this Section 4.2(b) are satisfied, amounts in the Revenue Fund and
the Purchase Fund will be invested without regard to yield and no rebate
calculations will need to be made with respect to any moneys in the Revenue Fund
or the Purchase Fund during any Bond Year; provided, however, that the total
earnings on Nonpurpose Investments held in the Revenue Fund and the Purchase
Fund do not exceed $100,000.

     (c)  In general, no rebate calculations will be required with respect to
Sale Proceeds or Investment Proceeds if at least 15% of expected Gross Proceeds
actually are spent within six (6) months after the Date of Issuance, at least
60% of expected Gross Proceeds actually are spent within twelve (12) months
after the Date of Issuance, and 100% of actual Gross Proceeds actually are spent
within eighteen (18) months after the Date of Issuance. The requirement that
100% of actual Gross Proceeds be spent within eighteen (18) months after the
Date of Issuance will be met if at least 95% of Gross Proceeds is spent within
eighteen (18) months and the remainder is held as a reasonable retainage and
such remainder is spent within thirty months after the Date of Issuance.

Section 4.03.    Calculation of Rebate Amount.

     (a)  (S) 148(f) of the Code requires the payment to the United States of
the Rebate Amount. Except as provided below, the Revenue Fund, the Project Fund,
the Costs of Issuance Fund, the Rebate Fund, the Interest Collateral Account and
all other funds or accounts treated as containing Gross Proceeds, are subject to
this rebate requirement.

     (b)  In accordance with the requirements set out in the Code and pursuant
to the Indenture, the Authority has created the Rebate Fund, to be held by the
Trustee, in its capacity as Trustee under the Indenture, and used as provided in
this Section.

          (i)    On or before 25 days following each Computation Date, upon the
     Borrower's written direction, an amount shall be deposited to the Rebate
     Fund by the Trustee from source or sources stated in such direction so that
     the balance of the Rebate Fund shall equal the aggregate Rebate Amount as
     of such determination date.

          (ii)   Amounts deposited in the Rebate Fund shall be invested in
     accordance with the Investment Instructions by the Trustee at the written
     direction of the Borrower.

          (iii)  All money at any time deposited in the Rebate Fund shall be
     held by the Trustee, to the extent required by this Tax Regulatory
     Agreement and the


                                      19
<PAGE>
 
     Indenture, for payment to the United States of America of the Rebate
     Amount. All amounts deposited into or on deposit in the Rebate Fund shall
     be governed by this Tax Regulatory Agreement.


          (iv) For purposes of crediting amounts to the Rebate Fund or
     withdrawing amounts from the Rebate Fund, Nonpurpose Investments shall be
     valued in the manner provided in this Article.

     (c)  In order to meet the rebate requirement of (S) 148(f) of the Code, the
Borrower agrees and covenants to take, or cause to be taken by the Trustee
or the Rebate Analyst described in Section 4.06 hereof, as appropriate, the
following actions:

          (i)  For each Investment of amounts held with respect to the Bonds in
     (A) the Revenue Fund, (B) the Purchase Fund, (C) the Project Fund, (D) the
     Costs of Issuance Fund and (E) the Rebate Fund, the Trustee shall record
     the purchase date of such Investment, its purchase price, accrued interest
     due on its purchase date, its face amount, its coupon rate, its Yield, the
     frequency of its interest payment, its disposition price, accrued interest
     due on its disposition date and its disposition date. The Rebate Analyst
     retained by the Borrower shall determine the Fair Market Value for such
     Investments and the Yield thereon as may be required by the Regulations.
     The Yield for an Investment shall be calculated by using the method set
     forth in the Regulations.

          (ii) For each Computation Date specified in paragraph (iii) below, the
     Rebate Analyst shall compute the Yield on the Bonds as required by the
     Regulations based on the definition of issue price contained in Section
     148(h) of the Code and the Regulations. The Bonds are a variable rate issue
     and accordingly the yield on the Bonds cannot be determined at this time.
     The Yield on the Bonds shall be calculated by the Rebate Analyst at such
     time in order to comply with this Tax Regulatory Agreement and the
     Regulations based on the definitions of issue price contained in Section
     148(h) of the Code using payments or prepayments of the principal of,
     premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds required by the Regulations. For
     purposes of this Tax Regulatory Agreement the initial offering price to the
     public (not including bond houses and brokers, or similar persons or
     organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters or wholesalers) at
     which a substantial amount of the Bonds were sold is the Issue Price. Any
     reasonable amounts paid for credit enhancement have been and may generally
     be treated as interest on the Bonds for purposes of Yield computation to
     the extent permitted by the Regulations.

          (iii)  Subject to the special rules set forth in paragraphs (iv) and
     (v) below, the Rebate Analyst shall determine the amount of earnings
     received on all Nonpurpose Investments described in paragraph (i) above,
     for each Computation Date. In addition, where Nonpurpose Investments are
     retained by the Trustee after retirement of the Bonds, any unrealized gains
     or losses as of the date of retirement of the Bonds must be taken into
     account in calculating the earnings on such Nonpurpose Investments to the
     extent required by the Regulations.

                                      20
<PAGE>
 
          (iv) In determining the Rebate Amount computed pursuant to this
     Section, (A) all earnings on any bona fide debt service fund (including the
     Revenue Fund, the Purchase Fund and the Interest Collateral Account) shall
     not be taken into account for any Bond Year during which the gross earnings
     of such funds total less than $100,000, (B) the Universal Cap applicable to
     the Bonds pursuant to (S) 1.148-6(b)(2) of the Regulations shall be taken
     into account, (C) all of the Borrower's elections and other choices set
     forth in Section 4.01 hereof shall be taken into account and (D) all
     spending exceptions to rebate met by the Borrower shall be taken into
     account.

          (v)  For each Computation Date specified in paragraph (iii) above, the
     Rebate Analyst shall calculate for each Investment described in paragraphs
     (i) and (iii) above, an amount equal to the earnings which would have been
     received on such Investment at an interest rate equal to the Yield on the
     Bonds as described in paragraph (ii) above. The method of calculation shall
     follow that set forth in the Regulations.

          (vi) For each Computation Date, the Rebate Analyst shall determine the
     amount of earnings received on all Investments held in the Rebate Fund for
     the Computation Date. The method of calculation shall follow that set forth
     in the Regulations.

          (vii)  For each Computation Date, the Rebate Analyst shall calculate
     the Rebate Amount, by any appropriate method to be described in the Code
     and Regulations applicable or which becomes applicable to the Bonds. The
     determination of the Rebate Amount shall account for the amount (to be
     rounded down to the nearest multiple of $100) equal to the sum of all
     amounts determined in paragraph (iii), all amounts determined in paragraphs
     (v) and (vi), and less any amount which has previously been paid to the
     United States pursuant to Section 4.04 below. The Rebate Analyst shall
     notify the Trustee of the Rebate Amount.

          (viii)  If the Rebate Amount exceeds the amount on deposit in the
     Rebate Fund, the Borrower shall immediately pay such amount to the Trustee
     for deposit into the Rebate Fund.



Section 4.04.    Payment to United States.

     (a)  Not later than sixty (60) days after each Installment Computation Date
(or such longer period as may be permitted by the Regulations), the Trustee
shall pay to the United States an amount that, when added to the Future Value as
of such Computation Date of previous rebate payments made for the Bonds, equals
at least ninety percent (90%) of the Rebate Amount required to be on deposit in
the Rebate Fund as of such

                                      21
<PAGE>
 
     payment date. No later than sixty (60) days after the Final Computation
     Date the Trustee shall pay to the United States an amount that, when added
     to the Future Value as of such Computation Date of previous rebate payments
     made for the Bonds, equals at least one hundred percent (100%) of the
     balance remaining in the Rebate Fund.

          (b)  The Trustee shall mail each payment of an installment to the
     Internal Revenue Service Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19255. Each
     payment shall be accompanied by Internal Revenue Form 8038-T, and, if
     necessary, a statement summarizing the determination of the Rebate Amount.

          (c)  If on any Computation Date, the aggregate amount earned on
     Nonpurpose Investments in which the Gross Proceeds of the Bonds are
     invested is less the amount that would have been earned if the obligations
     had been invested at a rate equal to the Yield on the Bonds as determined
     in Section 4.03 hereof, such deficit may at the written request of the
     Borrower be withdrawn from the Rebate Fund and paid to the Borrower or as
     the Borrower shall direct. The Borrower may direct that any overpayment of
     rebate may be recovered from any Rebate Amount previously paid to the
     United States pursuant to (S) 1.148-3(i) of the Regulations.

          (d)  The Borrower shall also pay any penalty or interest on
     underpayments of Rebate Amount not paid in a timely manner pursuant to this
     Tax Regulatory Agreement, the Code and the Regulations.

     Section 4.05. Recordkeeping. In connection with the rebate requirement, the
Borrower and the Trustee shall maintain the following records:

          (a)  The Borrower and the Trustee shall record all amounts paid to the
     United States pursuant to Section 4.04 hereof. The Trustee shall furnish to
     the Authority and the Borrower copies of any materials filed with the
     Internal Revenue Service pertaining thereto and shall provide the Authority
     and the Borrower with all records in its possession that the Authority, the
     Borrower or the Rebate Analyst may request relating to the calculation of
     any Rebate Amount.

          (b)  The Borrower and the Trustee shall retain records of the rebate
     calculations until six years after the retirement of the last obligation of
     the Bonds.


     Section 4.06.    Rebate Analyst.

          (a)  To the extent required to comply with the provisions of Section
     4.02 hereof, the Borrower shall appoint a Rebate Analyst and any successor
     Rebate Analyst for the Bonds reasonably acceptable to the Authority,
     subject to the conditions set forth in this Section. The Rebate Analyst and
     each successor Rebate Analyst shall signify its acceptance of the duties
     imposed upon it hereunder by a written instrument of acceptance

                                      22
<PAGE>
 
     delivered to the Trustee, the Authority and the Borrower under which such
     Rebate Analyst will agree to discharge its duties pursuant to this Tax
     Regulatory Agreement in a manner consistent with prudent industry practice.

          (b)  The Rebate Analyst may at any time resign and be discharged of
     the duties and obligations created by this Tax Regulatory Agreement by
     giving notice to the Trustee, the Authority and the Borrower. The Rebate
     Analyst may be removed at any time by an instrument signed by the Authority
     and the Borrower and filed with the Authority, the Borrower and the
     Trustee. The Borrower and the Authority shall, upon the resignation or
     removal of the Rebate Analyst, appoint a successor Rebate Analyst.

          (c)  Each successor Rebate Analyst appointed pursuant to this Section
     shall be either a firm of independent accountants or Bond Counsel or
     another entity experienced in calculating rebate payments required by (S)
     148(f) of the Code.

          (d)  In order to provide for the administration of the matters
     pertaining to arbitrage rebate calculations set forth herein, and in the
     Investment Instructions and No Arbitrage Certificate, the Trustee, the
     Borrower and the Authority may provide for the employment of the Rebate
     Analyst on or prior to September 30, 2003. The Trustee and the Authority
     may rely conclusively upon and shall be fully protected from all liability
     in relying upon the opinions, calculations, determinations, directions and
     advice of the Rebate Analyst. The charges and fees for such Rebate Analyst
     shall be paid by the Borrower upon presentation of an invoice for services
     rendered in connection therewith.

                                   ARTICLE V

                              COMPLIANCE WITH CODE

     In order to ensure that interest on the Bonds is excludable from the gross
income of the recipients thereof for purposes of federal income taxation, the
Borrower hereby represents and covenants as follows:

          (a)  The Average Maturity of the Bonds does not exceed 120% of the
     Average Economic Life of the Facilities within the meaning of (S) 147(b) of
     the Code as set forth in Exhibit C hereto.

          (b)  The Bonds are not and shall not become directly or indirectly
     "federally guaranteed." Unless otherwise excepted under (S) 149(b) of the
     Code, the Bonds will be considered "federally guaranteed" if (i) the
     payment of principal and interest with respect to the Bonds is guaranteed
     (in whole or in part) by the United States (or any agency or
     instrumentality thereof), (ii) 5% or more of the Proceeds of the Bonds is
     (A) to be used in making loans, the payment of principal or interest with
     respect to which are to be guaranteed (in whole or in part) by the United
     States (or any agency or instrumentality thereof) or (B) to be invested
     (directly or indirectly) in federally insured deposits or accounts or (iii)
     the payment of principal or interest on the Bonds is otherwise indirectly
     guaranteed (in whole or in part) by the United States (or any agency or
     instrumentality thereof).

                                      23
<PAGE>
 
          (c)  The Borrower will provide to the Authority all information
     necessary to enable the Authority to complete and file Internal Revenue
     Forms 8038 and 8038-T pursuant to (S) 149(e) of the Code.

          (d)  As required by (S) 147(f) of the Code, the Bonds and the Project
     were the subject of a public hearing held on March 20, 1998, which was
     preceded by reasonable public notice.

          (e)  The Borrower will comply with, and make all filings required by,
     all effective rules, rulings or regulations promulgated by the Department
     of the Treasury or IRS with respect to obligations described in (S)(S) 103
     and 144 of the Code, such as the Bonds.

          (f)  The Borrower agrees to rebate all amounts required to be rebated
     to the United States of America pursuant to (S) 148(f) of the Code. The
     Borrower agrees to provide any instructions to the Trustee that are
     necessary to satisfy the requirements of (S) 148(f) of the Code. The
     Borrower will not deposit or instruct the Trustee to deposit amounts in the
     Rebate Fund in excess of the amounts reasonably expected to be needed to
     make the payments to the United States as required by (S) 148(f) of the
     Code.

          (g)  The Sale Proceeds of the Bonds and any Investment Proceeds will
     be expended for the purposes set forth in the Agreement and in the
     Indenture and no amount of such Proceeds of the Bonds in excess of 2% of
     the Sale Proceeds of the Bonds will be expended to pay the costs of issuing
     the Bonds within the meaning of (S) 147(g) of the Code.

          (h)  The Authority shall not sell any other tax-exempt obligations
     within 15 days of the sale date of the Bonds pursuant to the same plan of
     financing with the Bonds and payable from substantially the same source of
     funds, determined without regard to qualified guaranties from unrelated
     parties and used to pay the Bonds.

          (i)  The Bonds were approved by the Governor of the State of
     California following the public hearing referred to in (d) above.

                                  ARTICLE VI

                        TERM OF TAX REGULATORY AGREEMENT

     This Tax Regulatory Agreement shall be effective from the Date of Issuance
through the date that the last Bond is redeemed, paid or deemed paid pursuant to
the terms of the Indenture, except that the requirements of Section 4.05 hereof
shall survive until six years after the retirement of the last obligations of
the Bonds.

                                      24
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VII

                                   AMENDMENTS

     Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, any provision of this Tax
Regulatory Agreement may be deleted or modified at any time at the option of the
Borrower, with the consent of the Authority, if the Borrower has provided to the
Trustee and the Authority an opinion, in form and substance satisfactory to the
Trustee and the Authority, of Bond Counsel that such deletion or modification
will not adversely affect the exclusion of interest on the Bonds from the gross
income of the recipients thereof for purposes of federal income taxation.

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                          EVENTS OF DEFAULT, REMEDIES

     Section 8.01.    Events of Default.  The failure of any party to this Tax
Regulatory Agreement to perform any of its required duties under any provision
hereof shall constitute an Event of Default under this Tax Regulatory Agreement
and under the Indenture.

     Section 8.02.    Remedies for an Event of Default. Upon an occurrence of an
Event of Default under Section 8.01 hereof, the Authority or the Trustee may in
their discretion, proceed to protect and enforce their rights and the rights of
the registered owners of the Bonds by pursuing any available remedy under the
Indenture or by pursuing any other available remedy, including, but not limited
to, a suit at law or in equity.

                                      25
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Authority, the Borrower and the Trustee have caused
this Tax Regulatory Agreement to be executed in their respective names and by
their proper officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year
first written above.


                                          CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC 
                                          DEVELOPMENT FINANCING
                                          AUTHORITY

Attest:
                                          
 
                                          By /s/ Illegible Signature
                                             ____________________________
                                             Chair         


By Blake Fowler
   _____________________
   Secretary

                                          PROVENA FOODS INC.
 
 
                                          By    Thomas J. Mulroney
                                             ____________________________ 
                                          Name  Thomas J. Mulroney
                                               __________________________
                                          Title CFO
                                                _________________________
 
 
                                          U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL 
                                          ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
                                          
 
 
                                          By   Celia Crom
                                             ____________________________
                                          Name Celia Crom
                                               __________________________
                                          Title Trust Officer
                                                _________________________




                 [Signature Page to Tax Regulatory Agreement]
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT A-1


                           SOURCES AND USES OF FUNDS


     1.  Amount received from the sale of the Bonds (exclusive of accrued
interest) is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                                                        <C>
     Face amount of the Bonds...........................   $4,000,000
     Less:  Underwriters' discount......................   $        0
     Total amount received from the sale of the Bonds...   $4,000,000
</TABLE> 
     2.  Proceeds of the Bonds totaling $3,920,000, representing 100% of the Net
Sale Proceeds of the Bonds after deduction of the amounts described in 3 below
will be deposited to the Project Fund

     3.  $80,000 of the Bond proceeds will be deposited in the Costs of Issuance
Fund to pay a portion of the Costs of Issuance of the Bonds.


                       Estimated Use of Substantially all
                             of the Proceeds of the
                                     Bonds

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
<S>      <C>                                                <C>
(1)  Issue price of Bonds................................. $4,000,000
(2)  Substantially All Factor..................................  .95%
(3)  Total................................................ $3,800,000
                                                           ==========
(4)  Amount paid for qualified Project Costs*
     (including interest during construction, if any)      $3,920,000

Note:    All investment earnings, if any, on the Bond proceeds will be used for
         qualified Project Costs (including interest during construction, if
         any).
</TABLE>



*Qualified Project Costs:


     Land                     $484,000
     Building                 $3,920,000


                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT A-2

                 PROPERTY FINANCED OR REFINANCED BY THE BONDS


1.  Acquisition of the real property located in the Crossroads Commercial
    Industrial Park, Lathrop, California $484,000.

2.  Construction of meat processing facility $3,436,000.


                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT B-1

                                  
                         FORM OF PROVIDER CERTIFICATION
                          FOR A CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT


     I, [Name], [Position], of [Entity Providing the Certificate of Deposit]

(the "Provider") HEREBY CERTIFY that the yield on the Certificate of Deposit

entered into on [DATE] is not less than the highest yield that the Provider

publishes or posts for comparable certificates of deposit offered to the public

and that the yield on the Certificate of Deposit is not less than the yield

available on reasonably comparable direct obligations offered by the United

States Treasury.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___ day of

____________ 19___.



 
                                         By_____________________________
                                         Name___________________________
                                         Title__________________________


                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT B-2

                                        
                         FORM OF PROVIDER CERTIFICATION
                           FOR AN INVESTMENT CONTRACT



     I, [Name], [Position], of [Entity Providing Investment Contract] (the

"Provider") HEREBY CERTIFY in connection with the Investment Contract between

[NAME] and the Provider dated as of [DATE] (the "Investment Contract") that the

yield on the Investment Contract is at least equal to the yield offered on

reasonably comparable Investment contracts offered to other persons, if any,

from a source of funds other than gross proceeds of an issue of tax-exempt bonds

and that the amount of administrative costs that are reasonably expected to be

paid by the Provider to third parties in connection with the Investment Contract

is $____________.  For purposes of this certification, administrative costs

include all brokerage or selling commissions paid by the Provider to third

parties in connection with the Investment Contract, legal or accounting fees,

investment advisory fees, recordkeeping, safekeeping, custody and other similar

costs or expenses.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___ day of

____________ 19___.



 
                                    By__________________________________
                                    Name________________________________
                                    Title_______________________________

                                      B-2
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT B-3

                    FORM OF BORROWER'S CERTIFICATION FOR AN
                    INVESTMENT CONTRACT INVOLVING THREE BIDS



     I, [[Name], [Position], of Provena Foods Inc., a California corporation

(the "Borrower"), HEREBY CERTIFY in connection with the Investment contract

between the Borrower and [Entity Providing Investment Contract] (the "Provider")

dated as of __________ ___, ______ the "Investment Contract") that (i) at least

three bids on the Investment Contract were received from persons other than

those with a material financial advantage in the California Economic Development

Financing Authority Variable Rate Demand Industrial Development Revenue Bonds,

Series 1998 (Provena Foods Inc. Project), (ii) the yield on the Investment

Contract purchased is at least equal to the yield offered under the highest bid

received from an uninterested party, (iii) the price of the Investment Contract

takes into account as a significant factor the Borrower's expected drawdown for

the funds to be invested (other than float funds or reasonably required reserve

or replacement funds) and (iv) any collateral security requirements for the

Investment Contract are reasonable.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ____ day of

____________ 19___ .

 
                                      PROVENA FOODS INC.
 
 
                                      By________________________________
                                      Name______________________________
                                      Title_____________________________

                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT C

                                        
                      USEFUL LIFE OF THE PROPERTY FINANCED
                           OR REFINANCED BY THE BONDS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             Cost                       Useful Life*  
<S>                          <C>           <C>            <C>             <C> 
Land                   $  484,000           X             n/a
Building                3,436,000           X            40.5           $139,158,000
                       ----------                        ----           ------------
                          
                       $3,920,000                                       $139,158,000
                       ==========                                       ============

  Less:  cost of land     484,000
                       ----------

                       $3,436,000
                       ==========
</TABLE> 

Average life of Project = $139,158,000 divided by $3,436,000 = 40.5 years.

Useful life of Project for purposes of Section 147(b) of the Code =
 
           40.5 years x 1.20 = 48.6 years

Average life of Bonds = 24.9836 years
                        =============

     The information contained in this schedule, attached as an exhibit hereto,
setting forth the respective cost, economic life, ADR midpoint life, if any,
under Revenue Procedure 87-56, 1987-42 I.R.B. 4, and Revenue Procedure 83-35,
1983-2 C.B. 745, as supplemented and amended from time to time, and guideline
life, if any, under Revenue Procedure 62-21, 1962-2 C.B. 118, as supplemented
and amended from time to time, of each asset of the Facilities financed with the
Proceeds of the Bonds, is true, accurate and complete.


*Includes time from date of issuance until property is placed in service.


                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT D

                                        

                         DECLARATION OF OFFICIAL INTENT



                                 [See Attached]
<PAGE>
 
                           [LETTERHEAD OF COMERICA]

                                                       Letter of Credit Division

                    IRREVOCABLE DIRECT PAY LETTER OF CREDIT
                           COMERICA BANK CALIFORNIA
                       INTERNATIONAL BANKING DEPARTMENT
                           333 W. SANTA CLARA STREET
                          SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95113


October 6, 1998

U.S. Bank Trust National Association
150 E. Fifth Street
St Paul, MN 55101

Dear Sirs:

     We hereby issue in your favor, as trustee ("Trustee") under the Indenture 
of Trust ("Indenture") dated as of October 1, 1998, by and between you and the 
California Economic Development Financing Authority ("Issuer") this Irrevocable 
Direct Pay Letter of Credit (this "Credit") No. 548144 for the account of 
Provena Foods Inc., a California corporation ("Account Party"), in an amount not
exceeding Four Million Sixty Thousand Dollars ($4,060,000) (the "Stated Amount")
of which amount not exceeding $4,000,000 ("Principal Amount") may be drawn upon 
with respect to the payment of principal and $60,000 ("Interest Amount") may be 
drawn upon with respect to the payment of interest of California Economic 
Development Financing Authority Variable Rate Demand Industrial Development 
Revenue Bonds. Series 1998 (Provena Foods Inc. Project) (the "Bonds"). Funds 
under this Credit are available to you against drawing certificate(s) ("Drawing 
Certificate(s)"), duly signed and presented to us at 333 W. Santa Clara Street, 
5th Floor, San Jose, California 95113 as follows:

1)   If a drawing is being made with respect to the payment of interest on the 
Bonds, or with respect to the payment of principal on the Bonds, your request 
for payment shall be presented in the form of a certificate, with the blanks 
appropriately filled in, as attached to this Credit as Annex A ("Annex A Drawing
Certificate").

2)   If a drawing is made with respect to the payment of interest and principal 
in connection with the purchase of tendered Bonds or Bonds deemed tendered, your
request shall be presented in the form of a certificate, with the appropriate 
blanks filled in, as attached to this Credit as Annex B ("Annex B Drawing 
Certificate).

     Any Drawing Certificate may be presented in person or by telecopier at 
408-556-5216 to the attention of Manager, Operations, provided the drawing by 
telecopy is confirmed by telephone at 408-556-5109 and the original certificates
have been sent by overnight mail to us as herein provided. In the event that any
telecopied certificate shall differ from the corresponding original certificate 
received, and we shall have acted upon or in reliance upon such telecopied 
certificate,
<PAGE>
 
                                   Comerica


such telecopied certificate shall govern and control.  The certificate shall 
have all blanks appropriately filled in and shall be duly executed by your 
authorized officer.

     An Annex A Drawing Certificate complying with the terms of this Credit and 
presented prior to 10:00 a.m. Pacific time, on any Business Day (as defined 
herein) shall be honored and the amount shall be paid in immediately available 
funds by 4:30 p.m. Pacific time on the same Business Day or such later Business 
Day as specified in the Annex A Drawing Certificate.  An Annex A Drawing 
Certificate complying with the terms of this Credit and presented at or after 
10:00 a.m., Pacific time on any Business Day shall be honored and the amount of 
the draft paid in immediately available funds on the following Business Day by 
10:00 a.m. Pacific time or such later Business Day as specified in the Annex A  
Drawing Certificate.  An Annex B Drawing Certificate presented hereunder, and 
complying with the terms of this Credit will be duly honored and the amount 
shall be paid in immediately available funds (i) not later than 11:30 a.m., 
Pacific time, on the Business Day on which such Annex B Drawing Certificate is 
presented to us as aforesaid if such presentation is made to us at or before
8:30 a.m., Pacific time, and (ii) not later than 11:30 a.m., Pacific time, on 
the Business Day following the business day on which such demand is presented to
us as aforesaid if such presentation is made to us after 8:30 a.m., Pacific
time. Payment under this Credit shall be made in accordance with the payment
instructions set forth in the completed Drawing Certificate accompanying each
draft. Business Day for purposes hereof means any day other than (i) a day on
which the banking institutions in (a) New York, New York, (b) the City of San
Jose, California or (c) the cities in which the Trustee or the Paying Agent (as
defined in the Indenture) have their respective principal offices are authorized
to close or (ii) a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed.

     This Credit is transferable in its entirety, but not in part, to any 
transferee who has succeeded you as Trustee under the Indenture and may be 
successively so transferred.  Transfer of this Credit to such transferee shall 
be affected by the presentation to us of this Credit accompanied by a 
Certificate substantially in the form of Annex C ("Transfer Certificate").

     Each payment of a Drawing with respect to the payment of interest on or 
principal of the Bonds honored by us shall reduce the portion of the Principal 
Amount and the Interest Amount available under this Credit, subject to 
reinstatement as provided below.  The Stated Amount of this Credit shall also be
reduced by the amount stated in a written notice of reduction executed by the 
Trustee.  A reduction of the Stated Amount through the use of such a written 
notice of reduction shall be effective as of the actual date of receipt by us of
such notice at our above stated address.

     Following the honoring of a Drawing hereunder to pay interest on the Bonds 
(other than interest in connection with redemption, maturity, acceleration or 
purchase upon tender of the Bonds in whole or in part), the available Interest 
Amount shall be automatically and immediately reinstated following such drawing 
to the original amount.




                    Page 2 of 7 all of which constitute an
                    integral part of this Letter of Credit

<PAGE>
 
                             [LOGO APPEARS HERE] 


                                                       Letter of Credit Division

     Following the honoring of a Drawing hereunder to pay principal and interest
of the Bonds in order to purchase the Bonds on behalf of the Account Party, the
available Principal and Interest Amount shall not be reinstated to the original
amount, unless you shall have received our notice to you by hand delivery or
telecopier transmission at (415) 273-4591 receipt of which has been confirmed by
you to us in writing via return telecopy at (408) 556-5216, followed by the
delivery of the original notice by overnight delivery, that there has been
reinstatement of the Principal Amount and Interest Amount.

     This Credit is subject to the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary 
Credits (1993 Revision) International Chamber of Commerce, Publication No. 500 
(the "Uniform Customs"):  provided, however, that Article 48(g) shall not apply 
to this Credit.  As to matters not covered by the Uniform Customs, this Credit 
shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of California.  
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article 17 of the Uniform 
Customs, if this Credit expires during an interruption of business as described 
in Article 17, we will honor otherwise complying draws under this Credit that 
are made within ten (10) days after the resumption of business by us.  
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article 41 of the Uniform 
Customs, this Credit will not terminate because of any failure to make any 
permitted drawing under this Credit.

     This Credit, unless extended, shall expire on the earliest of (i) 5:00 p.m.
Pacific Time October 15, 2003, (ii) the date of receipt by us of notice from the
Trustee and the Account Party that the issuance of an alternate credit facility 
in substitution for this Credit has occurred, (iii) the date following the 
payment under this Credit as a result of the acceleration of the Bonds under the
Indenture, (iv) five (5) days following the Fixed Rate Date as stipulated in the
notice delivered to us pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, or (v) the date 
that we receive notice from the Trustee that none of the Bonds are outstanding 
under the Indenture.

     All payments hereunder will be made with our own funds and not with any 
funds received directly or indirectly from the Account Party, Issuer or any 
party related to the Account Party, Issuer or any party related to the Account 
Party or Issuer.

     We undertake that your Drawing Certificate(s), drawn and presented on or 
before the expiration of this Credit in conformity with the terms of this 
Credit, will be duly honored.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       COMERICA BANK - CALIFORNIA


                                       By:  /s/ Illegible Signature
                                           ----------------------------

                    Page 3 of 7 all of which constitute an
                    integral part of this Letter of Credit
                                      
                                 
<PAGE>
 
                           [LETTERHEAD OF COMERICA]

                                                       Letter of Credit Division
                                    ANNEX A

                          Regular Drawing Certificate

Comerica Bank-California
International Department
333 W. Santa Clara Street, 5th Floor
San Jose, California 95113

Attention: Manager, Operations

    We refer to your Letter of Credit No. 548144 issued in support of the
California Economic Development Financing Authority Variable Rate Demand
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1998 (Provena Foods Inc. Project)
(the "Credit"). Terms defined in the Credit not otherwise defined herein shall 
have the same meaning herein as therein.

1.  As Trustee pursuant to the Indenture, we hereby make demand for payment 
under the Credit to pay or provide for the payment of interest on such Bonds in 
the amount of $____________ and principal in the amount of $__________. This 
Drawing is made as [a regularly scheduled interest payment] [an extraordinary 
redemption] [an optional redemption] [a mandatory redemption] [maturity of the 
Bonds] [in connection with acceleration], under the provisions of Section ___ of
the Indenture. (Delete inappropriate clauses)

2.  The amount demanded for the payment of principal and/or interest does not 
exceed the amount available on the date hereof to be drawn under the Credit in 
respect to the payment of principal and interest on the Bonds and the stated 
amount of the Credit will be permanently reduced by the amount demanded herein 
in respect to the payment of principal.

3.  Upon receipt of the amount demanded under this Credit, we will apply the 
same directly to payment when due in respect to interest and/or principal on 
account of such Bonds.

4.  Please remit your payments on [insert date] as follows:



_________________, 199__
                                        U.S. Bank Trust National Association,
                                        as Trustee

                                        By:______________________________
                                        Its:   Authorized Officer


                    
                    Page 4 of 7 all of which constitute an
                    integral part of this Letter of Credit
 
<PAGE>
 
                           [LETTERHEAD OF COMERICA]

                                    ANNEX B
                                   
                               Purchase Drawing

Comerica Bank-California
International Department
333 W. Santa Clara Street, 5th Floor
San Jose, California 95113

Attention: Manager, Operations

     We refer to your Letter of Credit No. 548144 issued in support of the 
California Economic Development Financing Authority Variable Rate Demand 
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1998 (Provena Foods Inc. Project) 
(the "Credit"). Terms defined in the Credit not otherwise defined herein shall 
have the same meaning herein as therein.

     1.   As Trustee pursuant to the Indenture, we hereby make demand for 
payment under the Credit to pay or provide for the payment of interest in the 
amount of $________ and for payment of principal in the amount of $_____ for the
purchase of tendered Bonds under the provisions of Section(s) ____ of the 
Indenture.  If the Bonds are book-entry bonds deposited with The Depository 
Trust Company or any successor thereto ("Depository"), we certify to you that we
have directed the Depository to reflect beneficial ownership in Bonds for your 
benefit as a secured party, and the aggregate amount of such Bonds is equal to 
the amount of the drawing for principal under this paragraph.

     2.   The amount demanded for the payment of principal and/or interest does 
not exceed the amount available on the date hereof to be drawn under the Credit 
with respect to the payment of principal and interest on the Bonds.

     3.   The stated amount of the Credit will be permanently reduced by the 
amount demanded herein in respect to the payment of principal and interest, 
unless you otherwise advise us as provided in the Credit.

     4.   Upon receipt of the amount demanded under this Credit, we will apply 
the same directly to payment when due with respect to interest and/or principal 
on account of such Bonds.

     5.   Please remit your payment on [insert date] as follows:

                         ______________________________

                         ______________________________

___________, 199__


                                           U.S. Bank Trust National Association
                                           as Trustee
                                           By:_______________
                                           Its: Authorized Officer


                    Page 5 of 7 all of which constitute an
                    integral part of this Letter of Credit


<PAGE>
 
                            [LETTERHEAD OF COMERICA]         

                                                       Letter of Credit Division

                                    ANNEX C

                           Instructions for Transfer

Comerica Bank-California
International Department
333 W. Santa Clara Street, 5th Floor
San Jose, California 95113

Attention:  Manager, Operations

       We refer to your Letter of Credit No. 548144 issued in support of the 
California Economic Development Financing Authority Variable Rate Demand 
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1998 (Provena Foods Inc. Project) 
(the "Credit").  The undersigned, as Trustee, is named as beneficiary of the 
Credit.  The Transferee named below has succeeded the undersigned as Trustee 
under the Indenture defined in the Credit:


       Name of Transferee


       Address

       Therefore, for value received, the undersigned hereby irrevocably 
instructs you to transfer to such Transferee all rights of the undersigned to 
draw under the Credit.  By this transfer, all rights of the undersigned in the 
Credit are transferred to Transferee and Transferee shall have the sole rights 
as beneficiary thereof, including sole rights relating to any amendments, 
whether increases or extensions or other amendments and whether now existing or 
hereafter made.  All amendments are to be advised directly to Transferee without
necessity of any consent of or notice to the undersigned.

                                       U.S. Bank Trust National Association,
                                       as Trustee

                                       By:
                                       Its:    Authorized Officer

                    Page 6 of 7 all of which constitute an
                    integral part of this Letter of Credit

<PAGE>
 
                           [LETTERHEAD OF COMERICA]

    The undersigned (Name of Transferee) hereby accepts the foregoing transfer
of rights under the Credit and has accepted the obligations of the Trustee under
the Indenture.

                                    (Name of Transferee)

                                    By:
                                    Title
                                    Address of Principal Corporate Trust Office 


                                
                                    Telephone
                                    Fax


                    Page 7 of 7 all of which constitute an
                    integral part of this Letter of Credit


<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.45
 
                            BUILDING LOAN AGREEMENT


     THIS BUILDING LOAN AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made as of October 1, 1998, 
by and between PROVENA FOODS INC., a California corporation ("Borrower"), and 
COMERICA BANK-CALIFORNIA, a California banking corporation ("Lender").

          1.    DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THIS AGREEMENT
                ------------------------------------------

                1.1     Bonds: California Economic Development Financing 
Authority Variable Rate Demand Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1998
(Provena Foods Inc. Project).

                1.2     Borrower's Funds: The funds to be deposited by Borrower 
into the Borrower's Funds, Building Loan Account for the purposes herein 
described.

                1.3     Borrower's Funds, Building Loan Account: A special 
non-interest bearing account into which any Borrower's Funds shall be deposited 
pending disbursement in the manner and for purposes herein described. Borrowers 
Funds shall be disbursed in the manner provided in this Agreement for 
disbursement of the Loan proceeds.

                1.4     Chino Property: That certain real property legally 
described in the Chino Trust Deed given as additional collateral for the 
Reimbursement Agreement.

                1.5     Chino Trust Deed: The Deed of Trust in favor of lender 
of even date herewith encumbering the Chino Property and given to secure the 
Reimbursement Agreement.

                1.6     Completion Date: The date of required completion of 
construction of the Improvements in accordance with the Plans and the 
requirements of this Agreement and issuance of all licenses and permits 
necessary for the occupancy, use or lease thereof, which is April 1, 2000.

                1.7     Cost Breakdown: An itemized schedule on a component, 
unit and trade breakdown basis covering all costs of renovation and completing 
the Improvements, to be submitted to and approved by Lender prior to any 
disbursement.

                1.8     Disbursement Schedule: The schedule of disbursement of 
the proceeds of the Loan and of any Borrower's Funds, Building Loan Account as 
set forth on the Disbursement Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A and the 
                                                          ---------
Disbursement Plan attached hereto as Exhibit B.
                                     ---------

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
                1.9   Draw Request:  The form, substantially in the form of 
Exhibit C attached hereto and made a part hereof, which is submitted to Lender 
- ---------
by Borrower when a disbursement of Loan proceeds is requested.

                1.10  Environmental Indemnity:  The unsecured environmental 
indemnity agreement executed in favor of Lender of even date herewith.

                1.11  Governmental Authority:  The authority of the United 
States, the State in which the Property is located, any political subdivision 
thereof, any city and any governmental or quasi-governmental agency, department,
commission, board, bureau or instrumentality of any of them, or any court,
administrative tribunal, or public utility.

                1.12  Governmental Requirements:  Any present or future law, 
ordinance, order, rule or regulation of a Governmental Authority applicable to 
Borrower or the construction, maintenance, use, operation or leasing of the 
Property.

                1.13  Improvements:  The manufacturing project to be constructed
on the Property.

                1.14  Indenture:  The Indenture of Trust, by and between Issuer 
and the Trustee, relating to the Bonds.

                1.15  Initial Disbursement:  The payment upon Recordation of 
costs, charges, expenses and items associated with the issuance of the Bonds and
the Loan as set forth in Paragraph 6.2.

                1.16  Issuer:  California Economic Development Financing 
Authority, a body public and corporate, and a public instrumentality of the 
State of California, as issuer of the Bonds.

                1.17  Letter of Credit:  The direct pay letter credit issued by 
Lender in connection with the issuance of the Bonds.

                1.18  Letter of Credit Documents: This Agreement, the Security
Agreement, the Trust Deed, the Chino Trust Deed and all documents given to
Lender from time to time to secure the reimbursement obligations of Borrower
under the Reimbursement Agreement, provided, however, that the Environmental
Indemnity is not one of the Letter of Credit Documents. Notwithstanding any
provision of any Letter of Credit Document, Borrower's obligations under the
Environmental Indemnity are not secured by the Trust Deed, the Chino Trust Deed
or the Security Agreement.

                1.19  Litigation Amount:  Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000).

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                    1.20  Loan: The amount evidenced by the Loan Agreement.

                    1.21  Loan Agreement:  The Loan Agreement by and between the
Issuer and Borrower.

                    1.22  Plans:  The final plans and specifications for the 
Improvements. 

                    1.23  Personal Property:  That personal property described 
in the Trust Deed and Chino Trust Deed and Security Agreement and which is 
collateral for the Reimbursement Agreement.

                    1.24  Project:  The Property, the Improvements and the 
Personal Property.

                    1.25  Property:  That certain real property legally 
described in the Trust Deed where the manufacturing facility financed by the 
Bonds is to be constructed and the Improvements to be constructed on a portion 
thereof.

                    1.26  Recordation:  The act of recording the Trust Deed in 
the official records of the County in which the Property is situated.

                    1.27  Reimbursement Agreement:  The reimbursement agreement 
by and between Borrower and Lender related to the Letter of Credit.

                    1.28  Security Agreement:  The Security Agreement from the 
Borrower to Lender, securing the Reimbursement Agreement.

                    1.29  Title Insurer:  Collectivel, the issuers of the title 
insurance policies required by Paragraph 8.3, i.e., Benefit Land Title Insurance
Company and Chicago Title Company.

                    1.30  Trust Deeds:  The two deeds of trust in favor of 
Lender of even date herewith encumbering the Property and the Chino Property 
respectively and given to secure the Reimbursement Agreement.

                    1.31.  Trustee:  The trustee for the holders of the Bonds 
under the Indenture.

               2.   LOAN.
                    ----

                    2.1  Borrower has applied to the Issuer for the issuance of 
the Bonds to fund the Loan to finance acquisition of the Property and renovation
of the Improvements and for other costs related thereto.

                    2.2  Borrower has requested that Lender issue in favor of 
the Trustee for the account of the Borrower, the Letter of Credit, which Letter 
of Credit is to be available to be

                                       3









                   


<PAGE>
 
drawn upon to provide funds for the payment of principal and interest on the
Bonds when due and payable.

                      2.3  Borrower agrees that Lender shall have approval 
rights over the disbursement of the Loan to the Borrower pursuant to this 
Agreement.

               3.  LOAN PROCEEDS.  Upon Recordation, Lender is authorized to:
                   -------------

                   3.1  Approve the initial Disbursement in the manner and for 
the purpose provided by Paragraph 6.2 directly to the parties to whom the 
respective payment is to be made.

               4.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO RECORDATION. Prior to Recordation the
                   -----------------------------------
following conditions shall have been satisfied:

                   4.1  Lender shall have received:

                        4.1.1  original insurance policies or certificates
                               thereof for the insurance required by Paragraph
                               8.9 hereof;

                        4.1.2  preliminary title reports issued by Title Insurer
                               showing the condition of title to the Property
                               and the Chino Property with the Property's and
                               Chino Property's legal descriptions and a copy of
                               all documents listed as exceptions to said
                               reports;

                        4.1.3  a "phase one" environmental assessment, in form 
                               and substance satisfactory to Lender
                               ("Environmental Assessment") prepared by a
                               qualified licensed environmental consultant
                               acceptable to Lender confirming the absence of
                               hazardous or toxic materials in, on, under or
                               around the Property and the Chino Property. The
                               Environmental Assessment shall, at a minimum,
                               include a description of current and former uses
                               of the Property and the Chino Property and the
                               results of an inspection of the Property and the
                               Chino Property and adjacent and neighboring
                               property sufficient to form a basis for a
                               reasoned opinion concerning the existence of, or
                               potential for, hazardous material contamination
                               on or in the vicinity of the Property and the
                               Chino Property. In the event the Environmental 
                               Assessment indicates that the Property or the
                               Chino Property may be affected by hazardous or
                               toxic materials, or is otherwise unsatisfactory
                               to Lender, in Lender's sole discretion, Lender
                               may require additional or further environmental
                               testing,


                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                inspection and/or assessment of the Property 
                                and/or the Chino Property;

                        4.1.4   any development agreement related to the 
                                Property with any governmental agency together 
                                with each applicable governmental entities
                                approved for the Project, with evidence of
                                subordination of any such development agreement
                                to the lien of Lender; and

                        4.1.5   an ALTA survey for each of the Property and the
                                Chino Property certified to Lender and 
                                satisfactory to Lender.

                        4.1.6   evidence satisfactory to Lender that the Project
                                complies with the applicable zoning ordinances;


          4.    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO DISBURSEMENT.                
                -----------------------------------

                5.1     Prior to the Initial Disbursement, the following 
conditions shall have been satisfied:

                        5.1.1   Title Insurer shall have issued or agreed to 
issue the title policies described in Paragraph 8.3 hereof, naming Lender as 
insured in the aggregate amount of $4,060,000.

                        5.1.2   Lender shall have received a Draw Request, and 
all the requirements set forth in Part I of the Disbursement Schedule shall have
been satisfied.

                        5.1.3   UCC-1 Financing Statements shall have been filed
with the Secretary of State for the state where the Property and Chino Property 
is situated describing the Personal Property.

                        5.1.4   Recordation shall have occurred.

                5.2     Prior to Lender approving disbursements after the 
Initial Disbursement, except for the last disbursement, the following conditions
shall have been satisfied:

                        5.2.1   The Initial Disbursement shall have occurred.

                        5.2.2   No default shall exist under this Agreement, the
Reimbursement Agreement or any other Letter of Credit Document.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 


                   5.2.3   Lender shall have received an appraisal showing an 
indicated prospective market value of the Project (the "Appraisal").

                   5.2.4   Lender shall have received within 30 days of 
Recordation a list of the names and addresses of all material dealers, laborers 
and subcontractors with whom agreements have been made by the Borrower to 
deliver materials to and/or perform work on the Improvements;

                   5.2.5   Lender shall have received within 30 days of 
Recordation the Cost Breakdown;

                   5.2.6   Lender shall have received within 30 days of 
Recordation a Project Construction Cost Schedule which shall include a 10% 
contingency reserve and a Construction Disbursement Schedule, each satisfactory 
to Lender;

                   5.2.7   Lender shall have received within 30 days of 
Recordation the Plans in form and substance satisfactory to Lender and assigned 
to Lender; and 


                   5.2.8   Lender shall have received within 30 days of 
Recordation the construction contract and architect's agreement for the 
Improvements, each in form and substance satisfactory to Lender and each 
assigned to Lender with the contractor's and architect's consent.

                   5.2.9   Lender shall have received a Draw Request, and all 
the requirements set forth in the paragraph(s) indicated under Part II of the 
Disbursement Schedule shall have been satisfied.

                   5.2.10  Concurrently with the Draw Request, Borrower shall 
furnish to Lender (i) copies of all "soft-cost" invoices, and (ii) unconditional
partial releases of lien (on forms approved by Lender) from all subcontractors 
for the construction of the portion of the Improvements covered by the 
immediately preceding Draw Request.

                   5.2.11  With respect to every Draw Request, the Title Insurer
shall have agreed to issue its continuation endorsement to Lender indicating
that since the last preceding disbursement to Borrower, there has been no change
in the state of title, that there are no intervening liens which may now or
hereafter take priority over the disbursement to be made and that there are no
survey exceptions not theretofore approved by Lender.

                   5.2.12  The representations and warranties of Borrower made
in Paragraph 7 hereof shall be true and correct on and as of the date of the
disbursement with the same effect as if made on such date.

                   5.2.13  The Improvements shall not have been materially 
injured or damaged by fire or other casualty unless Lender shall have received 
insurance proceeds sufficient

                                       6




























<PAGE>
 
in its judgment to effect the satisfactory restoration of the Improvements and 
to permit the completion thereof prior to the Completion Date.

                    5.2.14  Borrower shall have deposited with Lender cash in 
the amount, estimated by Lender, necessary to pay for the costs of completion of
construction of the Improvements to the extent that the aggregate amount 
remaining in the construction fund held by the Trustee (the "Program Fund") 
under the Indenture (and available pursuant to the limitations of Section 6.5 
hereof) and Borrower's Funds, Building Loan Account, designated for the payment
of the remaining costs to be incurred in the completion of renovation of the 
Improvements is, in the opinion of Lender, insufficient therefor.

                    5.2.15  Advice from Lender's inspection department or 
inspector designated by Lender to the effect that, to date, the Improvements 
have been constructed in accordance with the Plans and that the present state of
construction of the Improvements will, barring then unforeseen and unknown 
delays, permit completion of construction of the Improvements on or before the 
Completion Date.

                    5.2.16  Copies of all inspection reports from the United 
States Department of Agriculture shall be delivered to Lender and such reports 
shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender.

               5.3  Prior to Lender's approval of the last disbursement, the
conditions set forth in subparagraph 5.2 of this paragraph shall be satisfied
and in addition the following conditions shall have been satisfied by Lender's
receipt of:

                    5.3.1  Advice from Lender's inspection department or 
inspector designated by Lender to the effect that the Improvements have been 
completed in accordance with the Plans.

                    5.3.2  A final Draw Request, and all the requirements set 
forth in the paragraph(s) indicated under Part II of the Disbursement Schedule 
shall have been satisfied.

                    5.3.3  Evidence that Borrower has filed the notice of 
completion of the Improvements necessary to establish commencement of the 
shortest statutory period for the filing of mechanics' and materialmen's liens.

                    5.3.4  Conditional partial releases of lien (on forms 
approved by Lender, and conditioned only upon receipt of the funds allocated in 
the last disbursement) from each material dealer, laborer and/or subcontractor 
who has done work or furnished materials for the construction of the 
Improvements.

                    5.3.5  A CLTA Endorsement Series 101, as Lender may 
determine, issued by Title Insurer subsequent to the expiration of the period 
during which any lien for labor,


                                       7
<PAGE>
 
services or materials may be validly recorded against the Property or the 
Improvements or such other endorsements to Lender's title insurance policy as 
Lender may require which shall insure that the Improvements have been completed 
free of all mechanics' and materialmen's liens or claims thereof.

                           5.3.6  Evidence satisfactory to Lender that the 
Improvements have received approval for operation by the United States 
Department of Agriculture.

                6.  LOAN DISBURSEMENT. The proceeds of the Loan and Borrower's 
                    -----------------
Funds deposited in the Borrower's Funds, Building Loan Account shall be used 
only for the payment of costs of construction of the Improvements in accordance 
with the Plans and other costs related thereto, as set forth on the Disbursement
Schedule, and shall be disbursed to or for the account of Borrower as follows:

                    6.1  Method of Disbursement: Subject to fulfillment of all 
applicable conditions and the terms and procedures set forth in this Agreement 
and the Disbursement Schedule, (a) each disbursement shall be made on the basis 
of a Draw Request submitted by Borrower to Lender and to the Trustee (as 
required by the Loan Agreement), and (b) upon Lender's approval of the Draw 
Request, the proceeds of the disbursement shall be deposited into the commercial
account identified in the Disbursement Schedule, except that at Lender's option,
disbursements may otherwise be made by Trustee directly to Borrower, to 
subcontractors, laborers or material providers, or jointly to one or more of the
foregoing, or to other persons designated by Borrower, or in such other manner 
as the Lender may approve or require.

                    6.2  Initial Disbursement: Immediately before Recordation, 
and upon satisfaction of the conditions of Paragraph 5.1 hereof, Lender shall 
approve the disbursement by Trustee to the persons indicated in the Disbursement
Schedule (including Lender), in accordance with the Disbursement Schedule the 
amounts necessary to pay all costs, charges and expenses incurred or to be 
incurred (as estimated by Lender) in connection with the Loan or payable 
pursuant to this Agreement and the other Letter of Credit Documents, excluding 
direct costs of labor and materials related to the Improvements, and including 
but not limited to letter of credit fees (which are deemed earned at Recordation
and are not refundable in whole or part), service charges, title charges, tax 
and lien service charges, recording fees, escrow fees, appraisal fees, legal 
fees, real property taxes and assessments, insurance premiums, any amount 
required to pay existing encumbrances affecting the Property or Chino Property.

                    6.3  Subsequent Disbursements: Upon satisfaction of the 
conditions of Paragraph 5.2 hereof, Lender shall approve the disbursement by 
Trustee directly to Borrower or, at Lender's option, directly to subcontractor 
or to such persons as have actually supplied labor, material or services in 
connection with or incidental to the construction of the Improvements (or for 
payment of the cost of any of Borrower's undertakings hereunder, in the 
Reimbursement Agreement, the Trust Deed or the Security Agreement), such sums as
are required for the payment of interest on the Loan, costs and expenses of 
construction of the Improvements and costs incidental thereto as set forth on 
the Disbursement Schedule.  Such disbursements shall be made in accordance with 
the applicable


                                       8

<PAGE>
 
provisions of the Disbursement Schedule.  All funds approved by Lender to be 
disbursed hereunder to Borrower shall be received by Borrower in trust and 
Borrower agrees that the same shall be used only for the payment of those items 
contemplated by the particular disbursement.  If at any time Lender is holding 
Borrower's Funds in the Borrower's Funds, Building Loan Account, Lender shall 
make all disbursements first from the Borrower's Funds, Building Loan Account 
until such funds are exhausted.

               6.4   Final Disbursement:  The final disbursement shall be the 
payment of any monies retained from progress payments or draws as set forth in 
the Disbursement Schedule.  Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the 
final disbursement shall be made only after Borrower has satisfied the 
conditions of Paragraph 5.3 hereof and delivered or caused to be delivered to 
Lender in addition to those required under Paragraph 8.3 hereof, such additional
endorsements or such additional policies of title insurance with endorsements 
thereto as Lender may require, with a liability limit of not less than 
$4,060,000 issued by Title Insurer, with coverage and in form satisfactory to 
Lender, insuring Lender's interest under the Trust Deed as a first lien on the 
Property excepting only such items as shall have been approved in writing by 
Lender.

               6.5   Disbursement Limits:  Lender shall not be required to 
approve any disbursement of an aggregate amount of the Loan proceeds for 
materials incorporated into the Improvements during any stage of construction 
which exceeds the lesser of the value of such labor or materials or the amount
allocated to that stage of construction as set forth in the Disbursement 
Schedule, and in any event, Lender shall not be required to approve the 
disbursement of any amount which, in Lender's opinion, will reduce that portion 
of the Program Fund designated for the cost of completion of construction of the
Improvements below that needed to pay for the labor materials necessary to 
complete the Improvements.  If Borrower consists of more than one person or is a
partnership or joint venture, Lender is authorized to make disbursements to any
one of such persons or to any partner or joint venturer.

           7.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BORROWER.  Borrower represents 
               ------------------------------------------
and warrants, which representations and warranties shall survive any 
investigations, inspections or inquiries made by Lender or any of its 
representatives or approval of any disbursements made by Lender hereunder; that:

               7.1   Draw Request:  Each Draw Request shall be true and accurate
and the submission of same or the receipt of the funds so requested shall 
constitute a reaffirmation of the representations, warranties and covenants 
contained herein.

               7.2   Other Liens:  Borrower has made no contract or arrangement 
of any kind, the performance which by the other party thereto would give rise to
a lien on the Property, except for its arrangements with major subcontractors if
there is no general contractor.

                                       9





<PAGE>
 


                   7.3  CC&R's, Zoning:  It has examined, is familiar with, and 
the Improvements will in all respects conform to and comply with, all covenants,
conditions, restrictions, reservations and zoning ordinances affecting the 
Property.

                   7.4  Other Financing:  It has not received other financing 
for either the acquisition of the Property or the construction and installation 
of the Improvements except as has been specifically disclosed to and approved by
Lender prior to Recordation.

                   7.5  Accuracy:  All documents, reports, instruments, papers, 
information and forms of evidence delivered to Lender by Borrower with respect 
to the Loan are accurate and correct, are complete insofar as completeness may 
be necessary to give Lender true and accurate knowledge of the subject matter 
thereof, and do not contain any misrepresentations or omissions.  Lender may 
rely on such documents, reports, instruments, papers, information and forms of 
evidence without investigation or inquiry, and any payment made by Lender in 
reliance thereon shall be a complete release in its favor of all sums so paid.

                   7.6  Adequacy of Loan:  The amount of available Loan proceeds
(as limited by Section 6.5 above) and Borrower's Funds available for 
construction purposes is sufficient to (a) pay all costs to be incurred in 
connection with completing the acquisition of the Property and the renovation, 
marketing and leasing of the Improvements as contemplated by the Loan Agreement,
(b) pay all sums that may accrue under the Loan Agreement prior to repayment of 
the Loan, and (c) enable Borrower to perform and satisfy all the covenants of 
Borrower contained in the Loan Agreement and the Letter of Credit Documents.

              8.   BORROWER'S COVENANTS.  Borrower covenants and agrees until 
                   --------------------
the full and final payment of the reimbursement obligations of Borrower under 
the Reimbursement Agreement, unless Lender waives compliance in writing, that it
will:

                   8.1  Borrower's Funds:  At the time and in amounts required 
by Lender, deposit Borrower's Funds in the Borrower's Funds, Building Loan 
Account. Borrower's Funds shall be disbursed from such account in the manner 
provided in Paragraph 6 above.  Should it appear at any time that the total 
available funds then held by the Trustee in the Program Fund (as limited by 
Section 6.5 above) in Lender's reasonable judgment, to provide the financing for
the completion of the Improvements, Borrower, within fifteen (15) days following
receipt of written demand by Lender for additional funds, shall pay to Lender an
amount equal to such deficiency as expressed in said demand for deposit in the 
Borrower's Funds, Building Loan Account, which funds shall first be exhausted 
before any further disbursement of the proceeds of the Loan shall be made.

                   8.2  Improvements Inspection:  Permit Lender, or its 
representatives (and Lender shall have the right) to enter upon the Property, 
inspect the Improvements and all materials to be used in the construction 
thereof and to examine all detailed plans and shop drawings which are or may be 
kept at the construction site and will cooperate, and cause the general 
contractor or, if none, the major subcontractors, to cooperate with Lender.  If 
Lender in its reasonable judgment

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
determines that any work or materials fail to materially conform to any
Governmental Requirement, or sound building practices, or that they otherwise
depart from any of the requirements of this Agreement, Lender may require the
work to be stopped and withhold its approval of disbursements until the matter
is corrected. In the event Lender determines that work must be stopped and
disbursements withheld, Lender shall give Borrower prior telephone notice of its
decision to so act (which telephonic notice shall be confirmed by a written
notice); however, if Lender in good faith determines that an emergency is
occurring or has occurred such that an immediate cessation of work is required,
then Lender need only give notice to Borrower of such action as soon as
reasonably possible under the circumstances. If this occurs, Borrower shall
promptly correct the work to Lender's reasonable satisfaction, and pending
completion of such corrective work shall not allow any other work to proceed. No
such action by Lender shall be deemed to extend the Completion Date and shall
not otherwise affect Borrower's obligation to complete the Improvements within
the time and in the manner required by this Amendment. Inspection by lender of
construction shall be for the purpose of protecting the security of Lender and
preserving Lender's rights under the Letter of Credit Documents. No site
inspection shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of any default of Borrower,
and such inspection is in no way to be construed as a representation that there
is a compliance with the Plans or Governmental Requirements or that the
construction is free from faulty material or workmanship.

                8.3   Title Insurance:  Deliver or cause to be delivered to 
Lender at Recordation or within a reasonable time thereafter two 1970 ALTA 
Lender's Policies of Title Insurance or their equivalent with an aggregate 
liability limit of not less than the face amount of the Reimbursement 
Agreement, issued by Title Insurer, insuring Lender's interest under the Trust 
Deed as a valid first lien on the Property and Lender's interest under the Chino
Trust Deed is a valid second lien on the Chino Property, together with such 
reinsurance or coinsurance agreements or endorsements to said policy as Lender 
may require. Said policies shall contain only such exceptions from their
coverage as shall have been approved in writing by Lender. After Recordation,
Borrower shall, at its own cost and expense, maintain the Trust Deed as a first
lien on the property and the Chino Trust Deed as a second lien on the Chino
Property and deliver or cause to be delivered to Lender from time to time such
endorsements to said policies as Lender deems necessary to insure such priority
of the Trust Deed and Chino Trust Deed. Borrower has requested and Bank has
agreed to waive Bank's standard requirement that Borrower deliver or cause to be
delivered to Lender at Recordation 1970 ALTA LP-10 Policies of Title Insurance,
on the condition that Borrower shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Lender,
upon completion of the Improvements and filing of a valid notice of completion,
an ALTA Lender's Policy of Title Insurance with a liability limit of not less
than the face amount of the Reimbursement Agreement, insuring Lender's interest
under the Trust Deed as a valid first lien on that portion of the Property which
remains subject to the Trust Deed. Borrower shall furnish to Title Insurer
surveys and any other information required to enable it to issue such
endorsements and policies.

                8.4    Construction Start: Cause construction of the 
Improvements to be commenced not more than 60 days after Recordation and 
thereafter diligently prosecute such renovation so that the same will be 
completed, in any event, on or before the Completion Date;

                                      11
<PAGE>
 
provided, however, that if construction shall have commenced prior to
Recordation, the policy of title insurance shall be issued without
exception for the claims of mechanics or material suppliers or other deletion or
exception based upon the commencement of renovation.

                     8.5  Personal Property Installation:  Not install 
materials, personal property, equipment, or fixtures subject to any security 
agreement or other agreement or contract wherein the right is reserved to any 
person, firm or corporation to remove or repossess any such material, equipment 
or fixtures, or whereby title to any of the same is not completely vested in 
Borrower at time of installation, without Lender's written consent.

                     8.6  Insurance: Prior to Recordation, procure and deliver
to Lender and thereafter maintain a policy or policies of insurance in form and
content and by an insurer or insurers satisfactory to Lender, including a clause
giving Lender a minimum of thirty (30) days' notice if such insurance is
canceled, as follows: (i) owner's "all risk" insurance in nonreporting form, in
an amount not less than the face amount of the Reimbursement Agreement or the
full insurable completed value of the Improvements on a replacement cost basis,
whichever amount is lesser, with the normal conditions including fire, extended
coverage, vandalism, malicious mischief, and a lender's loss payable endorsement
naming Lender as loss payee; (ii) comprehensive liability insurance on an
"occurrence" basis, indicating coverage satisfactory to Lender, and naming
Lender as an additional insured; (iii) workers' compensation insurance, issued
to Borrower, as may be required by applicable workers' compensation insurance
laws; (iv) any additional or different coverage as may be specified in Lender's
insurance letter; and (v) any and all additional insurance that Lender in its
reasonable judgment may from time to time require, against insurable hazards
which at the time are commonly insured against in the case of property similarly
situated. At Lender's request, Borrower shall supply Lender with a counterpart
original of any policy.

                     8.7  Notification of Default: Promptly notify Lender in 
writing of the occurrence of any event of default under this Agreement, the
Reimbursement Agreement, the Trust Deed, the Chino Trust Deed, the Security
Agreement or the Environmental Indemnity or of any facts then in existence which
would become an event of default hereunder or thereunder upon the giving of
notice or the lapse of time or both.

                     8.8  Payment of Costs: Pay all costs and expenses required 
to satisfy the conditions of this Agreement.  Without limitation of the 
generality for the foregoing, Borrower will pay:

                          8.8.l  all taxes and recording expenses, including 
stamp taxes if any;

                          8.8.2  the fees and commissions lawfully due to 
brokers in connection with this transaction and hold Lender harmless from all 
such claims;

                          8.8.3  the fees of Lender's inspectors in connection 
with the construction of the Improvements; and

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
                     8.8.4  The fees of Lender's attorneys in connection with 
the issuance of the Letter of Credit upon the issuance of the Letter of Credit.

               8.9   No Conveyance or Encumbrance:  Not to sell, convey, 
transfer, dispose of or further encumber the Property or the Improvements or any
part thereof or any interest therein or enter into a lease covering all or any 
portion thereof (other than residential leases entered into in the ordinary 
course of business) or an undivided interest therein, either voluntarily, 
involuntarily or otherwise, or enter into an agreement so to do without the 
prior written consent of Lender being first had and obtained.  All easements, 
declarations of covenants, conditions and restrictions, and private or public 
dedications affecting the Property shall be submitted to Lender for its approval
and such approval shall be obtained prior to the execution or granting of any 
thereof by Borrower, accompanied by a drawing or survey showing the precise 
location of each thereof.

               8.10  Compliance with Governmental Requirements:  Comply promptly
with all Governmental Requirements.  Within ten (10) days after Borrower's 
receipt of any governmental permits, approvals or disapprovals, Borrower shall 
deliver copies of all such matters to Lender.

               8.11  Diligent Construction:  Cause the construction of the 
Improvements to be prosecuted with diligence and continuity and completed in 
accordance with the Plans on or before the Completion Date, free and clear of 
liens or claims for liens.

               8.12  Satisfy Conditions:  Cause all conditions hereof to be 
satisfied at the time and in the manner herein provided.

               8.13  Application of Disbursements:  Receive the disbursements to
be made hereunder as a trust fund for the purpose of paying the costs of 
construction of the Improvements and apply the same first to such payment 
before using any part thereof for any other purpose.

               8.14  Paid Vouchers:  Deliver to Lender, on demand, any 
contracts, bills of sale, statements, receipted vouchers or agreements, under 
which Borrower claims title to any materials, fixtures or articles incorporated
in the Improvements.

               8.15  Defect Corrections:  Upon demand of Lender, correct any 
defect in the Improvements or any departure from the Plans not approved by 
Lender.  The advance of any Loan proceeds shall not constitute a waiver of 
Lender's right to require compliance with this covenant with respect to any such
defects or departures from the Plans not theretofore discovered by or called to
the attention of Lender.

               8.16  Contract or Plans Changes:  Not, without the prior written 
consent of Lender, permit any change in the construction plans for the Project 
which would (i) change the square foot area of the Improvements, or (ii) 
adversely affect the value of the Improvements.

                                      13
 




<PAGE>
 


                   8.17  Furnishing Notices:  Borrower shall promptly furnish 
Lender with copies, or notify Lender in writing, of the following:

                         8.17.1 any litigation affecting Borrower, or if 
Borrower is a partnership, any general partner of Borrower, where the amount 
claimed is uninsured and is in excess of the Litigation Amount;

                         8.17.2 any communication, whether written or oral, that
Borrower may receive from any governmental, judicial or legal authority, giving 
notice of any claim or assertion that the Improvements fail in any respect to 
comply with any Governmental Requirements, or of any dispute which may exist 
between Borrower and any governmental, judicial or legal authority that may 
adversely affect Borrower, the Property or the Project;

                         8.17.3 any material adverse change in Borrower's or any
Guarantor's financial condition or operations or in the physical condition of 
the Property;

                         8.17.4 any strike or labor controversy threatening to 
result in a strike affecting, or that may affect, the Project;

                         8.17.5 any cessation of labor on the Project which 
continues for more than ten (10) consecutive Business Days;

                         8.17.6 any filings (with true copies thereof) with any 
Governmental Authority regarding or pursuant to any law related to Hazardous 
Materials (as defined in the Trust Deed) or the environment;

                         8.17.7 any proceeding or inquiry by any Governmental 
Authority (including, without limitation, the California State Department of 
Health Services) with respect to the presence of any Hazardous Materials on the 
Property or the migration thereof from or to other property;

                         8.17.8 all claims made or threatened by any third party
against Borrower or the Property relating to any loss or injury resulting from 
any Hazardous Materials;

                         8.17.9 Borrower's discovery of any occurrence or 
condition on any real property adjoining or in the vicinity of the Property or 
any part thereof to be subject to any restriction on the ownership, occupancy, 
transferability or use of the Property under any Hazardous Materials Laws; or

                         8.17.10 any proposed or contemplated change in the 
organization or management of Borrower or in the nature of its business.

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
               8.18  Organization and Management:  Without the prior written 
consent of Lender, Borrower shall not permit or suffer any management, 
organizational or other material changes in its structure or operations and if 
Borrower is a limited liability company, in the structure or operations of its 
managers, the replacement of any of its members, or the designation of any 
other person to manage and operate the Project in place of its managers.

          9.   DEFAULT.  At the option of Lender, the following shall 
constitute events of default hereunder (including, if Borrower consists of more 
than one person, the occurrence of any of such events with respect to any one or
more of said persons):

               9.1  Any default in the performance of any covenant, condition or
agreement set forth herein, in the Trust Deed, Reimbursement Agreement, the 
Security Agreement or any other of the Letter of Credit Documents after any 
applicable cure period.

               9.2  Borrower voluntarily suspends the transaction of business or
there is an attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of any material 
portion of Borrower's assets and such seizure is not discharged or bonded 
against within thirty (30) days.

               9.3  Any representation by Borrower to Lender concerning 
Borrower's financial condition or credit standing or any representation or 
warranty contained herein proves to be materially false or misleading.

               9.4  Default by Borrower on any other debt at Lender or default 
by Borrower or Operator of any debt secured by the Property.

               9.5  Any person obtains an order or decree in any court of 
competent jurisdiction enjoining the construction of the Improvements or 
enjoining or prohibiting Borrower or Lender or either of them from performing 
this Agreement, and such proceedings are not discontinued and such decree is not
vacated within thirty (30) days after the granting thereof.

               9.6  Borrower neglects, fails or refuses to keep in full force 
and effect any permit or approval with respect to the construction of the 
Improvements.

               9.7  If any Notice to Withhold or Bonded Notice to Withhold 
(Stop Notice) in connection with the Loan is served on Lender in accordance with
the provisions of the California Civil Code and within five (5) days of the 
receipt of such notice the claim set forth therein is not discharged or, if the 
amount claimed is disputed in good faith by Borrower or the general contractor 
for the Improvements and the Notice to Withhold is bonded, an appropriate 
counter bond or equivalent acceptable to Lender is filed with Lender.

               9.8  The imposition, voluntary or involuntary, of any lien or 
encumbrance upon the Property or the Chino Property without Lender's written 
consent or unless an adequate




  
<PAGE>
 
counter bond is provided and such lien is accordingly released within thirty 
(30) days of the imposition of such lien.

          10.   REMEDIES. If any of the events of default set forth in Paragraph
                --------
9 occur, then Lender, in addition to its other rights hereunder, may at its 
option, without prior demand or notice:

                10.1   Terminate the obligation of Lender to approve 
disbursements hereunder, or Lender may waive the event of default or, without 
waiving, determine, upon terms and conditions satisfactory to Lender, to approve
further disbursements.

                10.2   Notwithstanding the exercise of the remedy described in 
Paragraph 10.1 hereof, Lender may approve any disbursements after the happening 
of any one or more of said events of default without thereby waiving its right 
to demand payment of the amounts due to Lender under the Reimbursement Agreement
and without liability to approve any other or further disbursements.

                10.3   Proceed as authorized by law to satisfy the indebtedness 
of Borrower to Lender and in that regard, Lender shall be entitled to all of the
rights, privileges and benefits contained in the Trust Deed, the Security 
Agreement or other Letter of Credit Documents.

                10.4   Either directly or through an agent or court-appointed 
receiver, take possession of the Property and enter into such contracts and 
perform any and all work and labor necessary to complete the Improvements 
substantially in accordance with the Plans, subject to such modifications and 
changes as Lender may deem appropriate, in which event expenditures therefor 
shall be deemed an additional advance to Borrower, payable on demand, bearing 
interest at the Credit Provider Rate (as defined in the Reimbursement Agreement)
and secured by the Letter of Credit Documents.

          11.   POWER OF ATTORNEY. In the event of default as defined in 
                -----------------
Paragraph 9 hereof, Borrower hereby constitutes and appoints Lender its true and
lawful attorney in fact with the power and authority, including full power of 
substitution, to act, in Lender's sole discretion, but without the obligation to
act, as follows:

                11.1   To take possession of the Property and complete the 
Improvements.

                11.2   To use any of Borrower's Funds and any funds which may 
remain undisbursed under the Loan for the purpose of completing the Improvements
and for other costs related thereto.

                11.3   To make such additions and changes and corrections in the
Plans as may be necessary or desirable as Lender in its sole discretion deems 
proper to complete the Improvements.

                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                          11.4  To employ such contractors, subcontractors and 
agents, architects and inspectors as are required to complete the Improvements.

                          11.5  To employ watchmen to protect the Property and 
Improvements from injury.

                          11.6  To pay, settle or compromise all existing bills 
and claims against Borrower's Funds or any funds which may remain undisbursed 
under the Loan or as may be necessary or desirable, as Lender in its sole 
discretion deems proper, for the completion of the Improvements or for 
protection or clearance of title to the Property and Personal Property or for 
the protection of Lender's interest with respect thereto.

                         11.7  To prosecute and defend all actions and 
proceedings in connection with the construction of the Improvements.

                         11.8  As Lender in its sole discretion deems proper, to
execute, acknowledge, and deliver all instruments and documents in the name of 
Borrower which may be necessary or desirable to do and to do any and every act 
with respect to the construction of the Improvements which Borrower might do on 
his own behalf.

                This Power of Attorney is a power coupled with an interest and 
cannot be revoked and any costs or expenses incurred by Lender in connection 
with any acts by Lender under or pursuant to this Paragraph 11 shall be at the 
cost and expense of Borrower, repayable on demand by Borrower to Lender with 
interest thereon at the Credit Provider Rate, with any such advances made or 
costs or expenses incurred by Lender to be secured by the Trust Deed and the 
Security Agreement.

          12.  DISCLAIMER.  WHETHER OR NOT LENDER ELECTS TO EMPLOY ANY OR ALL OF
               ----------
THE REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO IT IN THE EVENT OF DEFAULT, LENDER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF OR FAILURE TO CONSTRUCT OR COMPLETE OR PROTECT THE 
IMPROVEMENTS OR FOR PAYMENT OF ANY EXPENSE INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE 
EXERCISE OF ANY REMEDY AVAILABLE TO LENDER OR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OR COMPLETION
OF THE IMPROVEMENTS OR FOR THE PERFORMANCE OR NON-PERFORMANCE OF ANY OTHER 
OBLIGATION OR BORROWER.

          13.  RELEASE AND INDEMNITY. Borrower agrees to release and indemnify, 
               ---------------------
defend and hold Lender harmless from and against all liabilities, claims, 
actions, damages, costs and expenses (including all reasonable legal fees and 
expenses of Lender's counsel) arising out of or resulting from construction of 
the Improvements, including any defective workmanship or materials; any failure 
to satisfy any of the Governmental Requirements; Lender's performance of any 
act permitted under the Letter of Credit Documents (excluding Lender's gross 
negligence or willful misconduct); breach of any representation or warranty made
or given by Borrower to Lender; breach of any obligation of Borrower contained
in any of the Letter of Credit Documents; or any claim or

                                      17
<PAGE>
 
cause of action of any kind by any party that Lender is liable for any act or 
omission committed or made by Borrower or any other person or entity in 
connection with the ownership, sale, operation or development of the Property, 
the Chino Property or the construction of the Improvements, whether on account 
of any theory of derivative liability, comparative negligence or otherwise.  
Upon demand by Lender, Borrower shall defend any action or proceeding brought 
against Lender arising out of or alleging any claim of action covered by this 
indemnity, all at Borrower's own cost alternative, Lender may elect to conduct 
its own defense at the expense of Borrower. Notwithstanding the provisions of 
the two preceding sentences, Borrower shall have the right to provide the
defense of Lender (which this paragraph requires) by counsel of Borrower's
choosing, whom Lender shall have the right to approve in its reasonable
judgment. Borrower's right to so provide Lender's defense shall apply so long as
there is no conflict or divergence of interest between the interest of Lender
and the interest of Borrower in the provision of the defense. Lender shall have
the right, in its sole discretion, to determine whether a conflict or divergence
of interest exists; if Lender determines that a conflict or divergence of
interest exists, Borrower shall retain separate counsel to conduct the defense
of Lender, which separate counsel shall be acceptable to Lender in its
reasonable judgment. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the
termination of this Agreement, the repayment of the amounts due to Lender under
the Reimbursement Agreement, and the release of the Property or any portion of
it from the Trust Deed and the release of the Chino Property or any portion of
it from the Chino Trust Deed.

        14.   SIGNS.  Borrower hereby grants Lender the right to erect or cause 
              -----
to be erected Lender's sign or signs in size and loaction desired by Lender on 
the Property so long as such sign or signs do not interfere with the reasonable 
construction of the Improvements.

        15.   GENERAL CONDITIONS.
              ------------------

              15.1   No Waiver:  No delay or omission of Lender in exercising 
any right or power arising from any default by Borrower shall be construed as a 
waiver of such default or as an acquiescence therein, nor shall any single or 
partial exercise thereof preclude any further exercise thereof.  Lender may, at 
its option, waive any of the conditions herein and any such waiver shall not be 
deemed a waiver of Lender's rights hereunder but shall be deemed to have been 
made in pursuance of this Agreement and not in modification thereof.  No waiver 
of any event of default shall be construed to be a waiver of or acquiescence in 
or consent to any preceding or subsequent event of default.

              15.2   No Third Party Benefits:  This Agreement is made for the 
sole benefit of Borrower and Lender, their successors and assigns and no other 
person or persons shall have any rights or remedies under or by reason of this 
Agreement nor shall Lender owe any duty whatsoever to any claimant for labor 
performed or material furnished in connection with the construction of the 
Improvements, to approve the disbursement of any undisbursed portion of the Loan
to the payment of any such claim or to exercise any right or power of Lender 
hereunder or arising from any default by Borrower.

                                      18
<PAGE>
 


                   15.3  Notice:  All notices or demands of any kind which 
either party may be required or desire to serve upon the other under the terms 
of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by personal delivery, 
national overnight courier, or by certified or registered United States mail, 
postage prepaid, to the address for the party to be served set forth below its 
signature.  Notices shall be effective upon receipt or when proper delivery is 
refused.  In case of service by mail, notices shall be deemed complete at the 
expiration of the second day after the date of mailing.  If Borrower consists of
more than one person, service of any notice or demand of any kind by Lender upon
any one of said persons in the manner hereinabove provided shall be complete 
service upon all.  Either party may change its address for purposes of notice by
giving notice of such change of address to the other party in accordance with 
the provisions of this paragraph.

                   15.4  Entire Agreement:  This Agreement, the other Letter of 
Credit Documents and the Environmental Indemnity constitute the entire 
understanding between the parties regarding the matters mentioned in or 
incidental to this Agreement.  The Letter of Credit Documents and the 
Environmental Indemnity supersede all oral negotiations and prior writings 
concerning the subject matter of the Letter of Credit Documents and the 
Environmental Indemnity. If there is any conflict between the terms, conditions
and provisions of this Agreement and those of any other agreement or instrument,
including any of the Letter of Credit Documents or the Environmental Indemnity, 
the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall prevail.  This 
Agreement may not be modified, amended or terminated except by a written 
agreement signed by each of the parties hereto.

                   15.5  Documentation:  In addition to the instruments and 
documents mentioned or referred to herein, Borrower will, at its own cost and 
expense, supply Lender with such other instruments, documents, information and 
data as may, in Lender's opinion, be reasonably necessary for the purposes 
hereof, all of which shall be in form and content acceptable to Lender.

                   15.6  Borrower Information:  Borrower agrees that Lender may 
provide any financial or other information, data or material in Lender's 
possession relating to Borrower, the Loan, this Agreement, the Property or the 
Improvements, to Lender's parent, affiliate, subsidiaries, participants or 
service providers, without further notice to Borrower.

                   15.7  Not Assignable:  Neither this Agreement nor any right 
of Borrower to receive any sums, proceeds or disbursements hereunder, may be 
assigned, pledged, hypothecated, anticipated or otherwise encumbered by Borrower
without the prior written consent of Lender.  Subject to the foregoing 
restrictions, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Lender, its 
successors and assigns and bind Borrower, its heirs, executors, administrators, 
successors and assigns.

                   15.8  Time is of the Essence:  Time is hereby declared to be 
of the essence of this Agreement and of every part hereof.
<PAGE>
 
                       15.9  Supplement to Security Agreements:  The provisions 
of this Agreement are not intended to supersede the provisions of the Trust Deed
or any other Letter of Credit Document or the Environmental Indemnity but shall 
be construed as supplemental thereto.

                       15.10 Joint and Several Obligations:  If Borrower 
consists of more than one person, the obligations of Borrower shall be the joint
and several obligations of all such persons, and any married person who executes
this Agreement agrees that recourse may be had against his or her separate 
property for satisfaction of his or her obligations hereunder.  When the context
and construction so require, all words used in the singular herein shall be 
deemed to have been used in the plural and the masculine shall include the 
feminine and neuter and vice versa.

                       15.11 Governing Law: This Agreement (and any and all 
disputes between the parties arising directly or indirectly from the 
transaction or from the lending relationship contemplated hereunder) shall be 
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of 
California.

                       15.12 Agency: In the event of a default in Paragraph 9 
hereof, Borrower hereby appoints and authorizes Lender, as its agent, to record 
any notices of completion, cessation of labor and other notices that Lender 
deems necessary to record to protect any interest of Lender under the provisions
of this Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement, the Trust  Deed, the Chino Trust
Deed or the Security Agreement. This agency is a power coupled with an interest 
an is not revocable.

                      15.13 Governmental Regulations: If payment of the 
indebtedness secured by the Trust Deed and the Chino Trust Deed is to be insured
or guaranteed by any governmental agency, Borrower shall comply with all rules, 
regulations, requirements and statutes relating thereto or provided in any 
commitment issued by any such agency to insure or guarantee payment of such 
indebtedness.

                     15.14 Collection Costs: Borrower shall pay promptly to 
Lender without demand, with interest thereon from date of expenditure at the 
Default Interest rate, reasonable attorneys' fees and all costs and other 
expenses paid or incurred by Lender in enforcing or exercising its rights or 
remedies created by, connected with or provided in this Agreement, and payment 
thereof shall be secured by the Trust Deed, the Chino Trust Deed and the 
Security Agreement.

                     15.15 Survival: The representations, warranties and 
covenants herein shall survive the disbursement of the Loan and shall remain in 
force and effect until the obligations of Borrower under the Reimbursement 
Agreement are paid in full.

                     15.16 Waiver of Jury Trial: LENDER AND BORROWER EACH 
ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT 
OR THE LENDING RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED HEREBY WOULD BE BASED UPON DIFFICULT AND
COMPLEX ISSUES, AND THEREFORE, BORROWER

                                      20
<PAGE>
 
AND LENDER EACH HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR 
PROCEEDING (INCLUDING ACTIONS SOUNDING IN TORT) TO ENFORCE OR DEFEND ANY RIGHTS 
UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT RELATING HERETO OR ARISING FROM 
THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER OR THE LENDING RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED 
HEREBY AND AGREE THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE TRIED IN A COURT OF
COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY A JUDGE AND NOT BY A JURY.

        16.   SEVERABILITY. Invalidation of any one or more of the provisions of
              ------------
this Agreement, the Trust Deed, the other Letter of Credit Documents or the 
Environmental Indemnity by judgment or court order shall in no way affect any of
the other provisions thereof which shall remain in force and effect.

        17.   SPECIAL CONDITIONS. The special conditions, if any, are set forth 
              ------------------
in Exhibit E attached hereto and made a part hereof and are, by this reference, 
   ---------
incorporated herein.

        18.   COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two
              ------------
or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and it shall
not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement to produce or account for
more than one such counterpart.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement the day and
year first above written.

                                COMERICA BANK-CALIFORNIA,
                                a California banking corporation

                                By: /s/ Illegible Signature
                                   -----------------------------------
                                Its:
                                    ----------------------------------

                                Address:
                                333 W. Santa Clara Street
                                San Jose, California 95113


                                BORROWER:

                                PROVENA FOODS INC.,
                                a California corporation

                                By: /s/ Illegible Signature
                                   -----------------------------------
                                Its:  CFO
                                    ----------------------------------

                                      21
<PAGE>
 

                             DISBURSEMENT SCHEDULE

                                  (Exhibit A)

THE LOAN PROCEEDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,000,000 SHALL BE DISBURSED AS FOLLOWS:

I.     INITIAL DISBURSEMENT.

       Lender is hereby authorized and directed to make Initial Disbursements 
       for the purposes, in the amounts, and to the persons indicated in the
       attached Exhibit 1:

II.    SUBSEQUENT DISBURSEMENTS.

       The remainder of the Loan available for disbursement under the Building
       Loan Agreement and Borrower's Funds in the sum aggregate of $ [TO BE
       DETERMINED AFTER BORROWER DELIVERS ITS PROJECT CONSTRUCTION COST
       SCHEDULE PRIOR TO ANY DISBURSEMENTS SUBSEQUENT TO INITIAL DISBURSEMENT]
       shall be disbursed in conformity with (i) the Building Loan Agreement,
       and in particular the requirements of Articles 5 and 6 thereof, and (ii)
       the Disbursement Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit B.

III.   AUTHORIZED SIGNERS.

             Borrower authorizes either _______________ or _________________ to
             sign all Draw Request and other documents in connection with the
             administration of the Loan. Borrower represents and warrants to
             Lender that the following signatures are specimen signatures of the
             persons named in the preceding sentence:


                     ____________________________________


                     ____________________________________

THIS DISBURSEMENT SCHEDULE IS EXECUTED BY BORROWER AS OF THIS  _____ DAY OF 
OCTOBER 1998.


BORROWER:
- --------

Provena Foods Inc.,
a California corporation

By:   Timothy Mulroney
     -------------------------
Its:  CEO
     -------------------------

<PAGE>
 
FOR ACCOUNTING PURPOSES ONLY:


    [_] MAKE DISBURSEMENTS UNDER II HEREOF TO

    ________________________________

By: [_] CREDITING COMMERCIAL ACCOUNT #_____________
        AT OFFICE SAN JOSE HEADQUARTERS


    [_] CASHIER'S CHECK 
<PAGE>
 
                             INITIAL DISBURSEMENTS

                                  (Exhibit 1)
                                   ---------

[Land Purchase]       $_____________________          ____________________

[Costs of Issuance]   $_____________________          ____________________

                                                      ____________________

                                                      ____________________

                                                      ____________________
<PAGE>
 
                               DISBURSEMENT PLAN

                                  (Exhibit B)
                                   ---------

[TO BE DETERMINED WITH LENDER'S APPROVAL PRIOR TO ANY DISBURSEMENTS SUBSEQUENT 
TO THE INITIAL DISBURSEMENT]

<PAGE>
 
                                 DRAW REQUEST

                                  (Exhibit C)
                                   ---------

APPLICATION AND CERTIFICATE FOR PAYMENT


DATE:                                APPLICATION NO.:
     -----------------------------                   ---------------------------


BORROWER: Provena Foods Inc., a California corporation



PROJECT: Provena Foods Inc., a California corporation
         Lathrop, California
================================================================================
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
<S>                                                                                 <C> 
Total Work Completed to Date....................................................    $ ______________________

Less Payments to Date...........................................................    $ ______________________

Total Deductions................................................................    $ ______________________

AMOUNT NOW DUE..................................................................    $ ______________________
</TABLE> 

     This is to certify that work reported herein has been completed in 
accordance with the contract documents and also that there are no change orders 
to date which have not been checked and approved by Comerica Bank-California. 
Also, this is to certify that all amounts have been paid by Borrower for work 
for which previous Certificates for Payment were issued and payment received 
from Borrower and the current payment shown herein is now due.



___________________________________
Owner                   Date

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.46
          ____________________________________________________________
          ____________________________________________________________


                                   $4,060,000


                            REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT


                                 By and Between


                               PROVENA FOODS INC.


                                      and


                           COMERICA BANK-CALIFORNIA



                          Dated as of October 1, 1998



          ____________________________________________________________
          ____________________________________________________________



                                  Relating to:
              California Economic Development Financing Authority
           Variable Rate Demand Industrial Development Revenue Bonds,
                    Series 1998 (Provena Foods Inc. Project)
<PAGE>
 
          REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT dated as of October 1, 1998 (this
"Agreement"), by and between PROVENA FOODS INC., a California corporation
("Borrower") and COMERICA BANK-CALIFORNIA, a California banking corporation (the
"Credit Bank").

                              W I T N E S S E T H
                              -------------------

          WHEREAS, Borrower proposes to finance the purchase and construction of
a manufacturing project in Lathrop, California, and the acquisition and
installation of equipment and other personal property to be used in connection
therewith, (collectively, the "Project");

          WHEREAS, in order to finance the Project, Borrower has requested the
assistance of the California Economic Development Financing Authority, a body
public and corporate and a public instrumentality of the State of California
(the "Issuer"), to issue its Variable Rate Demand Industrial Development Revenue
Bonds, Series 1998 (Provena Foods Inc. Project) (the "Bonds"), in the principal
amount of $4,000,000.

          WHEREAS, in order to provide for the authentication and delivery of
the Bonds, to establish and declare the terms and conditions upon which the
Bonds are to be issued and secured and to secure the payment of the principal
thereof and of the interest and premium, if any, thereon, the Issuer has entered
into an Indenture of Trust (the "Indenture"), dated as of October 1, 1998, by
and between the Issuer and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee (the
"Trustee");

          WHEREAS, pursuant to the Indenture, Trustee will make certain
disbursements for the acquisition, construction and equipping of the Project
according to the terms more specifically set forth in the Indenture and the Loan
Agreement (the "Loan Agreement"), dated as of October 1, 1998 by and between the
Issuer and Borrower;

          WHEREAS, Borrower has requested that the Credit Bank issue in favor of
the Trustee, for the account of Borrower, a direct-pay letter of credit ("Letter
of Credit") in an initial stated amount of $4,060,000, which Letter of Credit is
to be available to be drawn upon to provide funds for the payment of principal
and interest on the Bonds when due and payable; and

          WHEREAS, any Bonds purchased by the Credit Bank by application of
amounts drawn under the Letter of Credit pursuant to a Purchase Drawing (as
defined herein) shall be reflected on the records of the Depository as being
held for the  account of the Credit Bank until the Credit Bank shall have been
reimbursed for the amount so drawn and interest accrued thereon in accordance
with this Agreement, which reimbursement may be satisfied by the payment of the
principal and interest represented by the Bonds so held by or for the account of
the Credit Bank, as provided herein and in such Bonds, or the payment to the
Credit Bank pursuant to the terms of that certain Remarketing Agreement dated as
of October 1, 1998 (the "Remarketing Agreement"), between Borrower and Dain
Rauscher, as remarketing agent, following the remarketing of the Bonds;

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained
herein and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1.  DEFINITIONS.
            ----------- 

            For purposes of this Agreement, capitalized terms used herein which
are not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Indenture.  In
addition, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
 
            "Agreement" shall mean this Reimbursement Agreement, including any
Exhibits hereto, as the same may be supplemented and amended in accordance with
its terms.

            "Base Rate" shall mean the rate of interest publicly announced from
time to time by the Credit Bank as its "reference rate" or "prime rate."

            "Bond Documents" shall mean, at any time, each of the following as
in effect or as outstanding, as the case may be, at such time: (i) the Bonds;
(ii) the Indenture; (iii) the Loan Agreement; (iv) the Remarketing Agreement;
(v) the Security Agreement; (vi) the Environmental Indemnity; (vii) the Deed of
Trust; (viii) this Agreement; (ix) the Building Loan Agreement and (x) any other
agreements, instruments, certificates or other documents executed in connection
with the foregoing.

            "Bonds" shall mean the California Economic Development Financing
Authority Variable Rate Demand Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1998
(Provena Foods Inc. Project).

            "Borrower" shall mean Provena Foods Inc., a California corporation.

            "Building Loan Agreement" shall mean the building loan agreement by
and between Borrower and Credit Bank as required by Section 3.1(c) hereof.

            "Business Day" shall mean a day other than (i) a day on which the
banking institutions in (a) New York, New York or (b) the City of San Jose,
California or (c) the cities in which the Trustee or the Paying Agent (as
defined in the Indenture) have their respective principal offices are authorized
to close or (ii) a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed.

            "Chino Property" that certain real property legally described in the
Chino Trust Deed given as additional collateral for the Reimbursement Agreement.

            "Chino Trust Deed" shall mean the Deed of Trust in favor of lender
of even date herewith encumbering the Chino Property and given to secure the
Reimbursement Agreement.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
the regulations, rulings and proclamations promulgated or issued thereunder.

          "Credit Bank" shall mean Comerica Bank-California, a California
banking corporation and its successors and assigns, as issuer of the Letter of
Credit, or any issuer of a substitute Letter of Credit.

          "Credit Provider Rate" shall mean two (2%) in excess of the rate of
interest established by the Credit Bank from time to time as its Base Rate
during any period that interest shall accrue at such rate pursuant to the terms
of this Agreement, each change in such Base Rate to become effective on the date
such change is announced by the Credit Bank, such rate to be calculated on the
basis of actual number of days elapsed and a 360-day year; provided, however,
the Credit Provider Rate shall in no event exceed the lesser of 12.00% per annum
or the maximum interest rate applicable to the Bonds permitted by the laws of
the State of California. In each case, the Credit Provider Rate shall change
when and as the Base Rate changes.

          "Date of Issuance" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 hereof.

          "Deeds of Trust" shall mean the two Deed of Trusts, security agreement
and fixture filings (with assignment of rents and leases) in favor of the Credit
Bank as required by Section 3.1(c) hereof encumbering the Property and the Chino
Property.

          "Drawing" shall mean a drawing under the Letter of Credit in
accordance with its terms, and shall include a "Purchase Drawing," "Principal
Drawing," and "Interest Drawing."

          "Drawing Fee" shall mean the fee described in Section 2.3 hereof.

          "Environmental Indemnity" shall mean the unsecured environmental
indemnity agreement executed in favor of the Credit Bank as required by Section
3.1(d) hereof.

          "ERISA" means the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended from time to time.

          "Event of Default" shall have the meaning set forth in Article 10
hereof.

          "Expiration Date" shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the
Letter of Credit.

          "Indenture" shall have the meaning set forth in the third WHEREAS
clause hereof, as the same may be supplemented and amended in accordance with
its terms.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
          "Interest Drawing" shall mean a Drawing under the Letter of Credit to
pay interest on the Bonds (other than Bonds registered in the name of the Credit
Bank) when due and payable by Issuer pursuant to the Indenture.

          "Issuer" shall mean the California Economic Development Financing
Authority, a public body, corporate and politic, duly organized and existing
under the laws of the State of California.

          "Letter of Credit" shall mean the Letter of Credit issued by the
Credit Bank pursuant to this Agreement, and shall include any amended Letter of
Credit or any substitute therefor.

          "Letter of Credit Fee" shall mean the fee described in Section 2.2
hereof.

          "Loan Agreement" shall mean that certain Loan Agreement, dated as of
October 1, 1998, by and between the Issuer and Borrower and relating to the
Bonds, as the same may be supplemented and amended in accordance with its terms.

          "Official Statement" shall mean the Official Statement dated October
6, 1998, relating to the delivery and sale of the Bonds, including any
supplement to such Official Statement.

          "PBGC" shall mean Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

          "Person" shall mean an individual, association, unincorporated
organization, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, government or any
governmental agency or political subdivision or any other entity or
organization.

          "Permitted Encumbrances" shall mean those matters of record against
the Property as approved in writing by Credit Bank.

          "Plan" shall mean an employee pension benefit plan which is covered by
Title IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412
of the Code and is either (i) maintained by Borrower for employees of Borrower
or (ii) maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or any other
arrangement under which more than one employer makes contributions and to which
Borrower is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or has
within the preceding five years of such plan made contributions.

          "Principal Drawing" shall mean a Drawing under the Letter of Credit to
pay the principal of the Bonds (other than Bonds registered in name of the
Credit Bank) required to be made by Issuer upon the maturity thereof, upon
acceleration or upon the optional or mandatory redemption thereof, all pursuant
to the Bonds and the Indenture.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
          "Project" shall mean the Property and the facilities, structures,
buildings, additions, extensions, alterations and improvements to the Property
to be financed with the proceeds of the Bonds, including the construction of a
manufacturing facility in Lathrop, California, and the acquisition and
installation of equipment and other personal property to be used in connection
therewith.

          "Property" means the real property, and any buildings, structures and
fixtures thereon, described in Exhibit A hereto.
                               ---------        

          "Purchase Drawing" shall mean a Drawing under the Letter of Credit to
pay the purchase price of the Bonds following the failure to remarket any Bonds
as set forth in Section 8.09(c) of the Indenture.

          "Remarketing Agent" shall mean Dain Rauscher Incorporated, as
remarketing agent under the Remarketing Agreement, or any successor to it as
remarketing agent.

          "Remarketing Agreement" shall mean that certain Remarketing Agreement
dated as of October 1, 1998 by and between Borrower and the Remarketing Agent,
and any successor remarketing agreement entered into by the Borrower and a
successor remarketing agent in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture.

          "Restrictions" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.4 hereof.

          "Security Agreement" shall mean that certain Security Agreement dated
as of October 1, 1998 by Borrower in favor of the Credit Bank.

          "Special Counsel" shall mean Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.

          "Stated Amount" shall mean the amount set forth in the Letter of
Credit as the "Stated Amount", as such amount is reduced and reinstated from
time to time in accordance with the Letter of Credit.

          "Stated Expiration Date" shall have the meaning assigned to that term
in the Letter of Credit.

          "Transfer Certificate" shall have the meaning assigned to that term in
the Letter of Credit.

          "Transfer Fee" shall mean the fee described in Section 2.4 hereof.

          "Trustee" shall mean U.S. Bank Trust National Association, in its
capacity as trustee under the Indenture, and any other bank or trust Borrower at
any time substituted in its place pursuant to and in accordance with the
Indenture.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
          "Uniform Customs and Practice" means the Uniform Customs and Practice
for Documentary Credits approved by the International Chamber of Commerce and in
effect as of the date of issuance of the Letter of Credit.

ARTICLE 2.  LETTER OF CREDIT; FEES; REIMBURSEMENT.
            ------------------------------------- 

            SECTION 2.1  Amount and Terms of Letter of Credit.  The Credit Bank
                         ------------------------------------                  
agrees, upon at least 24 hours' prior notice from Borrower to the Credit Bank
and on the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, including,
without limitation, the conditions set forth in Article 3 hereof, to issue the
Letter of Credit on the date of delivery specified herein (the "Date of
Issuance"), provided such date of delivery is not later than October 31, 1998,
effective upon such delivery date and expiring on the Expiration Date.  The
Letter of Credit will be issued in an initial Stated Amount of $4,060,000,
representing the aggregate principal amount represented by the Bonds as of the
Date of Issuance, plus interest on such principal amount for a period of 45 days
at a rate not to exceed twelve percent (12%) per annum.  The Letter of Credit
shall be issued to the Trustee for the account of Borrower, and shall be
substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, with such changes to the form set
forth in Exhibit B as Borrower and the Credit Bank shall agree in writing are
necessary or advisable.

            SECTION 2.2  Letter of Credit Fee.  Borrower shall pay to the Credit
                         --------------------                                   
Bank a nonrefundable letter of credit fee (the "Letter of Credit Fee") in an
amount equal to 1.5% of the Stated Amount for each 12-month period from and
including the Date of Issuance until but excluding the Expiration Date, payable
in advance quarterly commencing on the Date of Issuance.

            SECTION 2.3  Drawing Fee.  Borrower shall pay to the Credit Bank for
                         -----------                                            
each drawing on the date thereof a nonrefundable drawing fee (the "Drawing Fee")
in an amount equal to the commercially reasonable and customary fee charged by
the Credit Bank to its customers for a draw under a letter of credit.

            SECTION 2.4  Letter of Credit Transfer Fee.  Any transfer of the
                         -----------------------------                      
Letter of Credit by the Trustee or issuance of a substitute Letter of Credit
shall be made by, and be only effective upon, (a) in the case of such a
transfer, the Trustee providing the Credit Bank with a Transfer Certificate (as
defined in the Letter of Credit) in accordance with the Letter of Credit and (b)
in the case of such a transfer or such an issuance, payment to the Credit Bank
by Borrower of a transfer fee (the "Transfer Fee") of $500 for each transfer or
issuance and of the costs payable to the Credit Bank in respect of each such
transfer or issuance.  No Transfer Fee shall be due in the event of a transfer
or substitution due to: (a) non-renewal of the Letter of Credit; (b) a
downgrading of the Letter of Credit; or (c) an increase in costs associated with
the Letter of Credit.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 2.5  Reduction and Reinstatement of Stated Amount.  The Stated
                       --------------------------------------------             
Amount shall be automatically reduced and reinstated as specified in the Letter
of Credit; provided that the Letter of Credit shall be reinstated to the extent
the Credit Bank is paid the full sale price with respect to Bonds (or portions
thereof) purchased on its behalf which have been resold pursuant to the terms of
the Remarketing Agreement.

          SECTION 2.6  Interest.  Borrower hereby agrees to pay interest at the
                       --------                                                
Credit Provider Rate on any and all amounts required to be paid by Borrower
under this Agreement from and after the due date thereof until paid in full,
whether before or after the expiration of the Letter of Credit and this
Agreement, at the Stated Expiration Date or otherwise, such interest to be
payable on demand.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the
extent permitted by law, if at any time the Credit Provider Rate exceeds any
statutory or constitutional interest rate limitation or restriction and the
Credit Bank shall not receive payment at the Credit Provider Rate, any
subsequent reduction in the Credit Provider Rate shall not reduce the rate of
interest utilized for the calculation of amounts payable to the Credit Bank
hereunder until the total amount due if the Credit Provider Rate had at all
times been utilized, has been paid to the Credit Bank.

          SECTION 2.7  Increased Costs.  If any change in any law or regulation
                       ---------------                                         
or in the interpretation thereof by any court or administrative or governmental
entity charged with the administration thereof shall either (i) impose, modify
or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, capitalization or similar
requirement against letters of credit issued by the Credit Bank or (ii) impose
on the Credit Bank any other condition relating, directly or indirectly, to this
Agreement or the Letter of Credit or the holding or owning of any Bonds by the
Credit Bank or the purchasing thereof, and the result of any event referred to
in (i) or (ii) above shall be to increase the cost to the Credit Bank of issuing
or maintaining the Letter of Credit, or of purchasing the Bonds, then, upon
demand by the Credit Bank, Borrower shall, upon not less than 30 days' prior
notice from the Credit Bank (which notice shall specify in reasonable detail the
circumstances giving rise to the increase and the method of calculating the
increase), pay to the Credit Bank, from time to time as specified by the Credit
Bank, such additional amounts as shall be demanded by the Credit Bank as
sufficient to compensate the Credit Bank for such increased cost, together with
interest at the Credit Provider Rate on amounts required to be paid under this
Section 2.7 from the due date of such payment following not less than 30 days'
prior notice until payment in full thereof.

          SECTION 2.8  Net Payments.  All payments under this Agreement shall be
                       ------------                                             
made without set-off or counterclaim and in such amounts as may be necessary in
order that all such payments (after deduction or withholding for or on account
of a proportionate share attributable to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement of any future taxes, levies, imposts, duties or other charges of
whatsoever nature imposed by any government, any political subdivision or any
taxing authority other than any tax on or measured by the overall net income of
the Credit Bank pursuant to the income tax laws of the United States or the
jurisdiction where the Credit Bank's principal office is located (collectively,
the "Taxes")) shall not be less than the amounts 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
otherwise specified to be paid under this Agreement. A certificate as to any
additional amounts payable to the Credit Bank under this Section 2.8 submitted
to Borrower by the Credit Bank shall show in reasonable detail the amount
payable and the calculations used to determine in good faith such amount and
shall be presumptive absent manifest error. Any amounts payable by Borrower
under this Section 2.8 with respect to past payments shall be due within thirty
days following receipt by Borrower of such certificate from the Credit Bank; any
such amounts payable with respect to future payments shall be due concurrently
with such future payments. With respect to each deduction or withholding for or
on account of any Taxes, Borrower shall promptly furnish to the Credit Bank such
certificates, receipts and other documents as may be required (in the reasonable
judgment of the Credit Bank) to establish any tax credit to which the Credit
Bank may be entitled. Without in any way affecting any of its rights under this
Section 2.8, the Credit Bank agrees that, upon its becoming aware that any of
the present or future payments due it under this Agreement would be subject to
deduction for Taxes, it will notify Borrower in writing and the Credit Bank
further agrees that it will use reasonable efforts not disadvantageous to it (in
its sole determination) in order to avoid or minimize, as the case may be, the
payment by Borrower of any additional amounts for Taxes pursuant to this Section
2.8.

          SECTION 2.9  Reimbursement of Principal Drawings and Interest
                       ------------------------------------------------
Drawings.  (a) If a Principal Drawing or Interest Drawing is repaid at or prior
to 5:00 p.m. (California time) on the same day on which it is made, no interest
shall be payable on such Drawing. Unless otherwise waived by the Credit Bank,
Borrower shall be obligated, without notice of a Principal Drawing or Interest
Drawing or demand for reimbursement from the Credit Bank (which notice is hereby
waived by Borrower), to reimburse the Credit Bank for all Principal Drawings and
Interest Drawings on the same Business Day of payment by the Credit Bank of such
Drawings; provided that, in the event such reimbursement is not made on the Same
Business Day, such reimbursement amount shall be the amount of the Principal
Drawing and Interest Drawing plus interest at the Credit Provider Rate, but in
no event higher than the maximum rate permitted by applicable law, on such
amounts from and including the date such Drawings are paid by the Credit Bank
until payment in full by Borrower (as determined by the Credit Bank).  If a
Principal Drawing or Interest Drawing is repaid after 5:00 p.m. (California
time) on any Business Day, it shall be treated as having been repaid on the
following Business Day.  Likewise, if a Principal Drawing or an Interest Drawing
is paid by Credit Bank after 5:00 pm (California time) on any Business Day, it
shall be treated as having been paid on the following Business Day.  Borrower
shall maintain an account (the "Interest Collateral Account") at Credit Bank in
the name of Borrower and Credit Bank at Credit Bank for the purpose of
reimbursing the Credit Bank for drawings under the Letter of Credit, on the day
of each drawing Credit Bank shall debit such Interest Collateral Account for the
amount of any Principal Drawing and Interest Drawing and, in the event of any
shortfall, shall notify Borrower who shall reimburse Credit Bank for any such
shortfall no later than the next Business Day.  If there are funds in Borrower's
account at Credit Bank sufficient to reimburse Credit Bank for the amount of any
Principal Drawing and Interest Drawing on the date of any such draws, Borrower
shall not be liable to Credit Bank for interest in the event that Credit Bank
fails to debit Borrower's account on the same day that such Principal Drawing or
Interest Drawing is made.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
          (a) The Credit Bank shall maintain in accordance with sound banking
practices an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of Borrower
resulting from each Principal Drawing and each Interest Drawing and the interest
accruing thereon, and in any legal action or proceeding in respect of this
Agreement, the entries made in such account or accounts shall, in the absence of
manifest error, be conclusive evidence of the existence and amounts of the
obligations of Borrower therein recorded.

          SECTION 2.10 Redemption Payments.  (a) Commencing May 1, 2000 and
                       -------------------                                 
continuing on the first (1st) day of each month, those amounts contained on
Exhibit C attached hereto shall be deposited into an interest bearing account
(the "Principal Collateral Account") in the name of Borrower and Credit Bank at
Credit Bank and used to reimburse the Credit Bank on and as of the date of
drawing for drawings under the Letter of Credit used to pay the annual
redemption of Bonds required under Subparagraph (b) below, including the
redemption price thereof and accrued interest.  Provided that all sums due or to
become due to Credit Bank have been paid, upon the Stated Expiration Date, any
amounts remaining in the Bank Account, including accrued interest, shall be
returned by the Credit Bank to the Borrower.

          (a) The Borrower agrees that on the Interest Payment Date of May of
each year commencing May 1, 2001 and continuing on such May 1 Interest Payment
Date thereafter until the Stated Expiration Date, Bonds in that amount equal to
the amount on deposit in the Bank Account or such lesser amount comprising
Authorized Denominations (as defined in the Indenture) shall be redeemed by the
Borrower pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture and the Loan Agreement.
The Borrower agrees to take any and all actions and provide any and all notices
as may be required by it under the Indenture, the Loan Agreement and hereunder
to cause such redemption.

          SECTION 2.11 Reimbursement of Purchase Drawings.  (a) Borrower's
                       ----------------------------------                 
obligation to reimburse the Credit Bank for any unreimbursed amounts drawn under
the Letter of Credit in respect of any Purchase Drawing shall be secured in part
by the purchased Bonds.  The obligation of Borrower under this Agreement and
under the Indenture in respect of such Bonds purchased with the proceeds of a
Purchase Drawing shall be satisfied by the payment of such Bonds in accordance
with their terms and the terms of the Indenture and the subsequent payment to
the Credit Bank of all such payments, or the reimbursement of the Credit Bank
pursuant to the terms of the Remarketing Agreement following the remarketing of
the Bonds.

          (a) In the event that any Bonds are registered in the name of Borrower
or the Credit Bank, on the date on which the Letter of Credit expires for any
reason, the principal amount of such Bonds and the interest accrued thereon
shall thereupon be paid by Borrower immediately to the Credit Bank; provided
that nothing herein contained shall affect any right which the Credit Bank may
have hereunder or under the Indenture or the Bonds upon the occurrence of an
Event of Default hereunder or thereunder.

          SECTION 2.12 Security.  Borrower, in order to secure its obligation to
                       --------                                                 
make payments to the Credit Bank pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and to
perform all of its 

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
other covenants and agreements under this Agreement, has pledged, assigned and
granted to the Credit Bank, a lien on and security interest in the Project
subject to the Permitted Encumbrances and has executed the Security Agreement.

          SECTION 2.13. Place and Manner of Payment; Computation of Interest.
                        ----------------------------------------------------  
All payments by Borrower to the Credit Bank hereunder, except reimbursement of
Principal Drawings and Interest Drawings pursuant to Section 2.9 hereof and
reimbursement of Purchase Drawings pursuant to Section 2.11 hereof, shall be
made to the Credit Bank at 333 West Santa Clara Street, International
Department, 5th Floor, San Jose, California 95113 in lawful currency of the
United States in immediately available funds not later than 5:00 p.m.
(California time) on the date due, without set-off, counterclaim or deduction of
any kind.  In the event that the date specified for any such payment hereunder
is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made not later than the next
following Business Day.  Borrower shall pay interest on any such payment not
made on the due date, at the Credit Provider Rate, to the Business Day on which
such payment is made.  Computations of interest hereunder shall be made by the
Credit Bank and Borrower on the basis of actual days elapsed and a 360-day year.

ARTICLE 3.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ISSUANCE OF THE LETTER OF CREDIT.
            -------------------------------------------------------- 

          SECTION 3.1.  Documents to be Received.  The Credit Bank's obligation
                        ------------------------                               
to issue the Letter of Credit as set forth in Section 2.1 hereof is subject to
the conditions precedent that, on or prior to the Date of Issuance, the Credit
Bank shall receive the following documents, all in form and substance
satisfactory to the Credit Bank and its Special Counsel:

          (a) a copy of the articles of incorporation and by-laws of the
Borrower, certified as of the date of the delivery of the Bonds by the
authorized officers of the Borrower showing authorization for, among other
things, the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this
Agreement and the Bond Documents to which Borrower is a party and authorizing
Borrower to obtain the issuance of the Letter of Credit and certified copies of
all other documents evidencing any other action of Borrower taken with respect
thereto;

          (b) a certificate, signed by the authorized officers of the Borrower,
dated the date of the delivery of the Bonds, to the effect that:

              (i)   The representations and agreements of Borrower contained in
this Agreement and each of the Bond Documents to which it is a party are true,
complete and correct in all material respects as of the Date of Issuance;

              (ii)  Borrower has complied with all agreements, covenants and
conditions to be complied with by Borrower at or prior to the Date of Issuance
under this Agreement and each of the Bond Documents to which it is a party;

              (iii) No event affecting Borrower has occurred since the date of
the Official Statement which either makes untrue or incorrect in any material
respect, as of the Date of Issuance, the statements or information contained in
the Official Statement concerning 

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
Borrower or is not reflected in the Official Statement but should be reflected
therein in order to make the statements and information therein concerning
Borrower not misleading in any material respect;

              (iv) The information concerning Borrower and the Project contained
in the Official Statement and the appendices thereto does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading in any material
respect; and

              (v)  No Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, or would
result from the issuance of the Letter of Credit, the making of this Agreement
or any of the other Bond Documents to which Borrower is a party, and no event
has occurred and is continuing which would constitute an Event of Default but
for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both;

          (c) this Agreement, the Security Agreement, the Environmental
Indemnity, the Building Loan Agreement and the Deeds of Trust duly executed by
Borrower;

          (d) all Bond Documents and other documents, certificates, opinions,
approvals or filings with respect to the Bond Documents, this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated thereby or hereby as the Credit Bank or its Special
Counsel shall reasonably request, in form and substance satisfactory to the
Credit Bank;

          (e) a phase I environmental assessment in form and substance
satisfactory to Credit Bank ("Environmental Assessment") prepared by a qualified
licensed environmental consultant acceptable to Credit Bank confirming the
absence of hazardous or toxic material in, on, under or around the Property and
the Chino Property; in the event the Environmental Assessment indicates that the
Property may be affected by hazardous or toxic materials, or is otherwise
unsatisfactory to Credit Bank, in Credit Bank's sole discretion, Credit Bank may
require additional or further environmental testing, inspection and/or
assessment of the Property and/or the Chino Property;

          SECTION 3.2  Other Conditions Precedent to Issuance of the Letter of
                       -------------------------------------------------------
Credit. The Credit Bank's obligation to issue the Letter of Credit as set forth
- ------                                                                         
in Section 2.1 hereof shall be subject to the additional conditions precedent
that on or before the Date of Issuance:

          (a) Borrower shall pay to the Credit Bank the Letter of Credit Fee,
for the first three months in immediately available funds;

          (b) no change shall have occurred in any law, regulation, ruling or
other action of the United States or the State of California or any political
subdivision therein or thereof which, in the opinion of Special Counsel for the
Credit Bank would make it illegal or inadvisable for the Credit Bank to issue
the Letter of Credit as provided therein; and

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
          (c) all legal requirements provided herein incident to such issuance
shall be met to the reasonable satisfaction of the Credit Bank and its Special
Counsel;

ARTICLE 4.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO DISBURSEMENT OF BOND PROCEEDS.
            ----------------------------------------------------- 

          SECTION 4.1  Prior Conditions Precedent.  The Credit Bank's approval
                       --------------------------                             
of  the disbursement of any money under the Loan Agreement and the Indenture is
subject to the conditions precedents contained in the Building Loan Agreement
including but not limited to Section 4 and 5.1 thereof and Section 3.1 hereof.

ARTICLE 5.  INDEMNIFICATION.
            --------------- 

            In addition to any other amounts payable by Borrower under this
Agreement, Borrower hereby agrees to release, protect, indemnify, pay and save
the Credit Bank and its officers, directors, employees, attorneys and agents
(each, an "indemnified person") harmless from and against any and all claims,
demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses (including
attorneys' fees) which any indemnified person may, other than as a result of its
gross negligence or willful misconduct or default by Credit Bank or such
indemnified person, incur or be subject to as a consequence, direct or indirect,
of (i) the execution and delivery or transfer of, or payment or failure to pay,
under the Letter of Credit, (ii) any breach by the Borrower of any
representation or warranty, covenant, term or condition in, or the occurrence of
any default under, this Agreement or any of the Bond Documents, including all
fees or expenses resulting from the settlement or defense of any claims or
liabilities arising as a result of any such breach or default, (iii) the holding
or owning by the Credit Bank or its nominee of any Bond, (iv) the issuance, sale
or delivery of the Bonds, (v) the use of the proceeds of the Bonds or any
Drawing, or (vi) involvement of any indemnified person in any legal suit,
investigation, proceeding, inquiry or action as a consequence, direct or
indirect, of the Credit Bank's issuance of the Letter of Credit, the Credit
Bank's holding or owning of any Bond, the holding or owning of any Bond by the
Credit Bank's nominee, the Credit Bank's execution of this Agreement, or any
other event or transaction contemplated by any of the foregoing.

            Promptly after receipt by an indemnified person of notice of the
commencement of any action in respect of which indemnity may be sought against
Borrower under this Article 5, such indemnified person will notify Borrower in
writing of the commencement thereof, and, subject to the provisions hereinafter
stated, Borrower may assume the defense of such action (including the employment
of counsel, who shall be satisfactory to the indemnified person, but at
Borrower's expense) insofar as such action shall relate to any alleged liability
in respect of which indemnification may be sought from Borrower.

            An indemnified person shall have the right to employ separate
counsel in any such action and to participate in the defense thereof, and the
reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of
Borrower; provided that Borrower shall not be responsible for the fees and
expenses of such separate counsel if Borrower shall have agreed to assume the
defense of an indemnified party with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such
indemnified party and no conflict of interest necessitates the employment of
separate counsel.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
ARTICLE 6.  OBLIGATIONS ABSOLUTE.
            -------------------- 

            To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the obligations
of Borrower under this Agreement shall be unconditional and irrevocable, and
shall be paid or performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement under all circumstances, including, without limitation, the following
circumstances:

            (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Letter of Credit,
this Agreement or any of the other Bond Documents other than in the case of the
gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Credit Bank;

            (b) any amendment or waiver of or any consent to depart from the
terms of this Agreement (other than the provisions of this Agreement
specifically amended or waived) or any of the other Bond Documents other than in
the case of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Credit Bank;

            (c) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right
which Borrower may have at any time against the Trustee, any beneficiary or any
transferee of the Letter of Credit (or any persons or entities for whom the
Trustee, any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the Credit
Bank or any other person or entity, whether in connection with this Agreement,
any of the other Bond Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby or any unrelated transaction other than in the case of the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of the Credit Bank or Credit Bank's default
under this Agreement;

            (d) any statement or any other document presented under the Letter
of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any
respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect;

            (e) any nonapplication or misapplication by the Trustee or otherwise
of the proceeds of any Drawing;

            (f) payment by the Credit Bank under the Letter of Credit against
presentation of a draft or certificate which does not comply with the terms of
the Letter of Credit other than in the case of the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of the Credit Bank;

            (g) the failure by the Credit Bank to honor any Drawing under the
Letter of Credit or to make any payment demanded under the Letter of Credit on
the grounds that the demand for such payment does not conform to the terms and
conditions of the Letter of Credit other than in the case of the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of Credit Bank; or

            (h) any other circumstances or happening similar to any of the
foregoing.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
ARTICLE 7.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BORROWER.
            ------------------------------------------ 

            To induce the Credit Bank to enter into this Agreement and issue the
Letter of Credit, Borrower makes the representations and warranties to the
Credit Bank set forth in this Article 7 on and as of the date hereof.

            SECTION 7.1.  Organization; Powers. Company is a corporation duly
                          --------------------                               
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
California and has the power and authority to carry on its business as presently
conducted including, without limitation, the operation of the Project, to own
its assets and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement
and the other Bond Documents to which it is a party.

            SECTION 7.2. Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance
                         -------------
by Borrower of this Agreement and the other Bond Documents to which Borrower is
a party have been duly authorized by all necessary action of Borrower and this
Agreement and such other Bond Documents constitute legal, valid and binding
obligations of Borrower enforceable in accordance with their terms, except to
the extent that enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors'rights
generally, by general equitable principles which may limit the right to obtain
equitable remedies and by provisions of applicable California and Federal law.

            SECTION 7.3.  Compliance with Laws and Contracts.  The execution,
                          ----------------------------------                 
delivery and performance by Borrower of this Agreement and the other Bond
Documents to which Borrower is a party do not and will not (a) violate any
provision of any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or
award as currently in effect to which Borrower is subject or the Articles of
Incorporation or By-Laws of Borrower or, to the best of Borrower's knowledge,
any law, rule or regulation to which Borrower is subject; (b) result in a breach
of or constitute a default under the provisions of any material indenture, loan
or credit agreement or any other agreement, lease or instrument to which
Borrower may be or is subject or by which it, or its property, is bound; or (c)
result in, or require, the creation or imposition of any mortgage, Deeds of
Trust, assignment, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or
encumbrance of any nature or with respect to any of the Property other than as
provided therein; and Borrower is not in default under any such order, writ,
judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award or any such indenture,
agreement, lease or instrument or any law, rule or regulation to which Borrower
is subject.

            SECTION 7.4.  Approvals.  Borrower has obtained all authorizations,
                          ---------                                            
consents, approvals, licenses, exemptions of or filings or registrations with
all commissions, boards, bureaus, agencies, instrumentalities, trustees, holders
of any indebtedness of Borrower or any other Person, domestic or foreign,
necessary to the valid execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of this
Agreement and the other Bond Documents to which Borrower is a party which are
capable of being obtained on or prior to the Date of Issuance, other than the
site plan review and building permits and plan check for the Project and except
as such may be required under the state securities or Blue Sky laws in
connection with the distribution of the Bonds by the Remarketing Agent.
Borrower is familiar with all conditions, restrictions, reservations, statutes,

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
regulations and ordinances affecting the Property, including, without
limitation, all pollution control, environmental protection, zoning and land use
regulations, building codes and all restrictions and requirements imposed by the
City of Lathrop or San Joaquin County, California and all other governmental
entities (collectively, the "Restrictions"), with respect to the Property, the
Project and the construction of the Project and the existing and contemplated
use of the Property.  Borrower has obtained or will timely obtain all permits,
approvals, consents and other authorizations necessary under the Restrictions
for such construction and use.  As of the date hereof, Borrower is not aware of
any violation or asserted violation of any Restrictions concerning the Property
or the existing or contemplated use thereof, and further, Borrower is not aware
of any action or proceeding pending before any court or governmental agency with
respect to the validity of any such Restrictions or any of such authorizations
or permits.

          SECTION 7.5.  Financial Statements.  The financial statements of
                        --------------------                              
Borrower, copies of which have heretofore been delivered to the Credit Bank,
were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied, fairly represent the financial position of Borrower as of
dates referred to therein, and there has been no material adverse change in the
financial position or operations of such parties since such financial statements
were prepared.

          SECTION 7.6.  Litigation.  To the best knowledge of Borrower, there is
                        ----------                                              
no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation at law or in equity or
before or by any court, public board or body pending against or affecting
Borrower or the properties, assets or operations of Borrower (a) wherein an
unfavorable decision, ruling or finding could have a materially adverse affect
upon:  (i) the transactions contemplated by, or the validity of, this Agreement,
the other Bond Documents, or any agreement or instrument to which Borrower is a
party and which is used or contemplated for use in the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Bond Documents, (ii)
the tax-exempt status of the interest on the Bonds, or (iii) Borrower's
property, assets, operations or condition, financial or otherwise, or its
ability to perform its obligations in respect of the Indenture or this
Agreement; or (b) which in any way contests the existence, organization or
powers of Borrower or the titles of the officers of Borrower to their respective
offices.

          SECTION 7.7.  Employee Benefit Plans.  Borrower is in compliance in
                        ----------------------
all material respects with ERISA to the extent applicable to it and has received
no notice to the contrary from the PBGC or any other governmental entity or
agency and no reportable event (as defined in ERISA) which could result in a
material accumulated deficiency under ERISA or a material liability to the PBGC
has occurred and is continuing.

          SECTION 7.8.  Defaults.  No Event of Default or event which with the
                        --------                                              
passage of time, the giving of notice or both could become an Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing.

          SECTION 7.9.  Disclosure.  The information contained in the Official
                        ----------                                            
Statement under the caption "The Borrower and The Project" is true and correct,
and such information does 

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
not contain any untrue statement of a material fact nor does such information
omit any material facts necessary in order to make such information not
misleading.

          SECTION 7.10. Reports. All reports and forms required to be filed with
                        -------
the Internal Revenue Service by Borrower have been so filed.

          SECTION 7.11. Utilities.  All utility services necessary for the
                        ---------                                         
operation of the Project are either available within or at the boundaries of the
Property or all necessary steps have been or shall be taken by Borrower to
assure the complete construction thereof, including, without limitation, all
electrical and telephone facilities, water supply, gas, and storm and sanitary
sewer facilities.

          SECTION 7.12. Condemnation. No taking of the Property and/or the Chino
                        ------------
Property or any part thereof through eminent domain, conveyance in lieu thereof,
condemnation or similar proceeding is pending or, to Borrower's knowledge,
threatened by any governmental agency.

          SECTION 7.13. Roads.  All public roads necessary for the full
                        -----                                          
utilization of the Project for their intended purpose have been completed.

          SECTION 7.14. Brokers.  Borrower has not dealt with any person, firm
                        -------
or corporation who is or may be entitled to any finder's fee, brokerage
commission, loan commission or other sum in connection with the issuance of the
Letter of Credit pursuant to this Agreement nor the entering into of this
Agreement. Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify and defend the Credit Bank and
hold the Credit Bank harmless against any and all loss, liability, cost or
expense, including reasonable attorneys' fees, which the Credit Bank may suffer
or sustain should such warranty or representation prove inaccurate in whole or
in part.

          SECTION 7.15. Hazardous Materials. Borrower is not in violation of any
                        -------------------
federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation relating to environmental
conditions on, under or about the Property and/or the Chino Property including,
but not limited to, soil and groundwater conditions. Neither Borrower, nor to
Borrower's knowledge, any third party, has used, generated, manufactured,
refined, produced, processed, stored or disposed of on, under or about the
Property and/or the Chino Property or transported to or from the Property any
"Hazardous Materials" except in compliance with applicable law and except as may
be set forth on the Phase I Environmental Assessment to be delivered to Credit
Bank hereunder, nor does Borrower intend to use the Property and/or the Chino
Property in the future for the purpose of generating, manufacturing, refining,
producing, storing, handling, transferring, processing or transporting of
Hazardous Materials other than those materials customarily used in the
construction and operation of a manufacturing facility. For the purposes hereof,
"Hazardous Materials" shall mean any flammable explosives, radioactive
materials, asbestos, organic compounds known as polychlorinated biphenyls,
chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity, pollutants,
contaminants, hazardous wastes, toxic substances or related materials,
including, without limitation, any substances defined as or included in the
definition of "hazardous substances," "hazardous materials," or "toxic
substances" in the Comprehensive
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42
U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq.; the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49
U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq.; or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42
U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq.; or any applicable law relating to radioactive
and/or nuclear materials or substances or any applicable California law; and in
the regulations adopted, published and/or promulgated pursuant to said laws.

ARTICLE 8.  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF BORROWER.
            --------------------------------- 

            Until the termination of this Agreement and the payment in full to
the Credit Bank of all amounts payable to the Credit Bank hereunder, Borrower
hereby covenants and agrees that it will:

            SECTION 8.1.  Reporting Requirements.  Furnish to the Credit Bank on
                          ----------------------                                
request, notices of filing of all reports material to the Project that Borrower
may be required to file with any governmental commission, department, board,
bureau or agency of the Federal, State or local government relating to the
transactions contemplated by the Indenture.  In addition, Borrower shall cause
to be delivered to Credit Bank (i) the annual financial statements audited by a
certified public accountant of Borrower within 90 days after the end of its
fiscal year and quarterly financial statements of the Borrower certified as true
and correct by Borrower within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of its
fiscal quarter.

            SECTION 8.2.  Building Permits.  Cause all building permits for the
                          ----------------                                     
improvements to be constructed as part of the Project to be issued within 180
days of the Date of Issuance.

            SECTION 8.3. Delivery of Appraisal. Deliver to Credit Bank within 30
                          ---------------------
days of the Date of Issuance the appraisal for the Project called for in Section
5.24(e) of the Building Loan Agreement.

            SECTION 8.4.  Notices.
                          ------- 

            (a) Give prompt notice in writing to the Credit Bank of a known
occurrence of an Event of Default or event which with the passage of time, the
giving of notice or both could become an Event of Default, and of any known
development, financial or otherwise, which may be reasonably expected to
materially adversely affect the ability of Borrower to perform its obligations
as set forth hereunder or under any of the other Bond Documents, setting forth
the details of and the action Borrower proposes to take with respect to such
event or development; and

            (b) Give prompt notice in writing to the Credit Bank of any known
pending action, suit or proceeding, relating to the operations or the condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Project in an uninsured amount in excess of
$50,000 or the ability of Borrower to repay any debt incurred under this
Agreement or the Indenture or which questions the validity of the Bond
Documents.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 8.5.  Payment of Taxes and Other Obligations.  From time to
                        --------------------------------------               
time pay and discharge, or cause to be paid and discharged, all payments in lieu
of taxes, service charges, assessments or other governmental charges which may
lawfully be imposed upon the revenues and income from the Project and will pay
all lawful claims for labor, material and supplies which if unpaid might become
a lien or charge upon the Project, revenues or income or which might impair the
security of the Deeds of Trust or the use of the Project revenues or other funds
to pay the principal of and interest thereon, all to the end that the priority
and security of the Deeds of Trust and of the Credit Bank shall be preserved;
provided that nothing in this Section 8.5 shall require Borrower to make any
such payment so long as it in good faith shall contest the validity thereof and
shall have established adequate reserves with respect thereto.

          SECTION 8.6.  Compliance with Laws, etc.  Comply with the requirements
                        --------------------------                              
of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental
entity, noncompliance with which would, singly or in the aggregate, materially
and adversely affect its ability to complete or operate the Project or perform
under this Agreement or any other Bond Documents to which Borrower is a party,
unless the same shall be contested by it in good faith and by appropriate
proceedings which shall operate to stay the enforcement thereof.

          SECTION 8.7.  Inspection Rights.  At any reasonable time and from time
                        -----------------                                       
to time upon three (3) days' prior written notice, permit the Credit Bank or any
agents or representatives thereof to examine and make copies of the records and
books of account related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and
at any reasonable time to visit the Project and to discuss its affairs, finances
and accounts with Borrower and its independent accountants.

          SECTION 8.8.  Keeping of Records and Books of Account.  Keep or cause
                        ---------------------------------------                
to be kept proper and current books and accounts (separate from all other
records and accounts)

in which complete and accurate entries shall be made of all transactions
relating to the Project and the Revenues and other funds provided for in the
Loan Agreement, and will prepare and furnish to the Credit Bank the financial
statements required under Section 8.1.

          SECTION 8.9.  Maintenance of Approvals, Filings and Registrations.  At
                        ---------------------------------------------------     
all times maintain in effect, renew and comply with all the terms and conditions
of all consents, licenses, approvals and authorizations as may be necessary or
appropriate under any applicable law or regulation for the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement and the other Bond Documents to which Borrower
is a party, and to make this Agreement and such other Bond Documents its legal,
valid, binding and enforceable obligations, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the rights of
creditors generally, to general equitable principles which may limit the right
to obtain equitable remedies and to provisions of applicable California law.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 8.10. Maintenance and Operation of the Project.
                        ---------------------------------------- 
 
          (a)   Subject to applicable requirements and restrictions imposed, and
to the extent permitted, by law, operate or cause to operate the Project in the
manner described in the Official Statement.

          (b)   To the extent material to the transactions contemplated herein
or in the Bond Documents, operate and maintain, or cause to be operated and
maintained, the Project in accordance with all applicable governmental laws,
ordinances, approvals, rules, regulations and requirements including, without
limitation, such zoning, sanitary, pollution and safety ordinances and laws and
such rules and regulations thereunder as may be binding upon Borrower.  Borrower
further covenants and agrees that it will cause to be maintained and operated
all engines, boilers, pumps, machinery, apparatus, fixtures, fittings and
equipment of any kind in, or that shall be placed in any building or structure
now or hereafter at any time constituting part of the Project in good repair,
working order and condition, except such property or equipment as is no longer
being utilized by Borrower, and that it will from time to time make or cause to
be made all necessary and proper replacements, repairs, renewals and
improvements so that the efficiency and value of the Project shall not be
impaired.

          SECTION 8.11. Insurance Required.  Maintain, in accordance with the
                        ------------------                                   
provisions of the Deeds of Trust, insurance on the Project and the Chino
Property with responsible and reputable insurance companies and associations
which are acceptable to the Credit Bank, including, without limitation, public
liability, property damage, hurricane, fire and extended coverage insurance,
title insurance, provided that such property damage, fire and extended coverage
and title insurance shall each be maintained in an amount not less than the
greater of the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds or the full insurable
replacement value of the Project and the Chino Property, as applicable (the term
"full insurable replacement value" as used herein shall mean the cost to repair
or replace the Project and the Chino Property, as applicable and any portion
thereof with property of like kind and quality, without deduction for
depreciation).  All such policies shall name Borrower and the Credit Bank as
insured parties, beneficiaries or loss payees as their interest may appear.
Each policy shall contain a provision to the effect that the insurer shall not
cancel or substantially modify the policy provisions without first giving 30
days' advance written notice thereof to Borrower and the Credit Bank.  At least
once during each 12-month period, commencing on the Date of Issuance, Borrower
shall file with the Credit Bank a certificate setting forth the policies of
insurance maintained pursuant to this Agreement, the names of the insurers and
insured parties, the amounts of such insurance and applicable deductibles, the
risks covered thereby and the expiration dates thereof.

          SECTION 8.12. ERISA.  Promptly pay and discharge all obligations and
                        -----                                                 
liabilities, applicable to Borrower, arising under ERISA of a character which if
unpaid or unperformed might result in the imposition of a lien against any of
its properties or assets and promptly notify the Credit Bank of the occurrence
of any reportable event (as defined in ERISA) which might result in the
termination by the PBGC of any Plan or of receipt of any notice from PBGC of its
intention to seek termination of any Plan or appointment of a trustee therefor.
Borrower will notify the Credit Bank of its intention to terminate or withdraw
from any Plan and 

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
will not terminate any such Plan or withdraw therefrom unless it shall be in
compliance with all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement after giving
effect to any liability to PBGC resulting from such termination or withdrawal.

          SECTION 8.13. Bond Proceeds; Additional Funds.  Cause the proceeds of
                        -------------------------------
the Bonds to be used for the purposes set forth in the Indenture and the Loan
Agreement and make any necessary deposit into the funds and accounts established
under and referred to in the Indenture and the Loan Agreement.

          SECTION 8.14. Further Assurances.  Execute and deliver to the Credit
                        ------------------
Bank all such documents and instruments and do all such other acts and things as
may be necessary or required by the Credit Bank to enable the Credit Bank to
exercise and enforce its rights under this Agreement and to realize thereon, and
record and file and re-record and re-file all such documents and instruments, at
such time or times, in such manner and at such place or places, all as may be
necessary or required by the Credit Bank to validate, preserve and protect the
position of the Credit Bank under this Agreement.

          SECTION 8.15. Financial Covenants.  Borrower shall maintain the
                        -------------------                              
following financial ratios and covenants on a consolidated basis:

          (a)   Minimum Quick Ratio to exceed 0.90:1.00.  Quick Ratio is defined
as cash plus accounts receivable, less restricted cash to current liabilities;

          (b)   Cash Flow Coverage to exceed 1.30 times.  Cash Flow Coverage
Ratio is defined as net income plus depreciation, depletion and amortization to
current maturities of long term debt;

          (c) Minimum Effective Tangible Net Worth to exceed $7,500,000.
Effective Tangible Net Worth is stated net worth plus subordinated debt less any
intangible assets. Intangible assets can include, but are not limited to Bonds
costs, investments in joint ventures, overseas assets, loans to employees and
owners, goodwill, research and development expenses and project costs, and any
other assets deemed intangible in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles; and

          (d) Maximum Debt (total liabilities less subordinated debt) to
Tangible Net Worth (stated net worth plus subordinated debt less intangible
assets) less than 2.00:1.00.

ARTICLE 9.  NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF BORROWER.
            ------------------------------ 

          Until the termination of this Agreement and the payment in full to the
Credit Bank of all amounts payable to the Credit Bank hereunder, Borrower hereby
covenants and agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Credit Bank,
Borrower will not directly or indirectly:

          SECTION 9.1.  Additional Indebtedness.  Issue any other obligations
                        -----------------------                              
payable, with respect to principal or interest, from the revenues of the Project
which have, or purport to 

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
have, any lien upon the revenues of the Project superior to or on a parity with
the lien of the Credit Bank and the Trustee for the Bonds; provided, however,
that nothing in this covenant shall prevent Borrower from issuing and selling
pursuant to law refunding bonds or other refunding obligations payable from and
having a first lien upon the revenues of the Project if such refunding
certificates or other refunding obligations are issued for the purpose of, and
are sufficient for the purpose of, prepaying all of the Bonds authorized by the
Indenture and then outstanding.

          SECTION 9.2.  Limitation on Encumbrances on the Project.  Create,
                        -----------------------------------------          
assume or suffer to exist any security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of
any kind (including the charge upon property purchased under conditional sales
or other title retention agreements) (a "security interest") upon the Project
other than real property or special taxes or liens not yet due and payable or
Permitted Encumbrances or liens in favor of Credit Bank, unless the obligations
of Borrower under this Agreement shall be secured prior to any indebtedness or
other obligation secured by such security interest and Borrower further
covenants and agrees that if such a security interest is created or assumed by
Borrower, it will make or cause to be made effective a provision whereby the
obligation of Borrower under this Agreement will be secured prior to such
indebtedness or other obligation secured by such security interest.

          SECTION 9.3.  Amendments.  Amend, modify, terminate, grant or waive, 
                        ----------
or permit the amendment, modification, termination or grant of, or any waiver
under (or consent to, or permit or suffer to occur any action or omission which
results in, or is equivalent to, an amendment, modification, or grant of a
waiver under) the Bond Documents except as agreed to by Credit Bank.

          SECTION 9.4.  Official Statement.  Make any changes in reference to 
                        ------------------
the Credit Bank in any revision or amendment of the Official Statement.

          SECTION 9.5.  Arbitrage.  Use, or permit the use of, the proceeds of
                        ---------
any Bond in any manner that would have caused the Bonds, at the time of issuance
thereof, to be "arbitrage bonds" within the meaning of Section 148 of the Code.

          SECTION 9.6.  Prohibited Uses.  Use any of the properties financed or
                        ---------------
refinanced out of any proceeds of the Bonds or suffer or permit such properties,
to be used in any manner or take any action or omit to take any action which
would adversely affect the tax exempt status of interest on the Bonds.

          SECTION 9.7.  Prohibition on Sale of Assets.  Sell, lease, assign,
                        -----------------------------                       
transfer or otherwise dispose of any of the Project whether now owned or
acquired in the future, except (a) obsolete or worn out property or equipment no
longer necessary in the ordinary course of the Project's business, or (b)
property disposed of in the ordinary course of the Project's business for
adequate consideration.

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
ARTICLE 10.  DEFAULT AND REMEDIES.
             -------------------- 

          SECTION 10.1. Events of Default.  Each of the following events shall,
                        -----------------                                      
at the option of the Credit Bank, constitute an "Event of Default" under this
Agreement:

          (a) the occurrence of any event which constitutes an "Event of
Default" under the Indenture, the Loan Agreement, the Security Agreement, the
Building Loan Agreement or the Environmental Indemnity; or

          (b) the failure by Borrower to pay any amount payable hereunder within
three (3) Business Days following the due date of such amount; or

          (c) the failure by Borrower to perform or observe any other term,
covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement, provided that the failure of
Borrower to perform such covenants (other than as provided in subsections (a)
and (b) of this Section 10.1 and other than the covenants set forth in Article 9
hereof) shall not be deemed an Event of Default if Borrower is diligently
proceeding to cure such nonperformance; provided, however, that such cure shall
have been achieved, in any event, no later than sixty (60) days after written
notice given to Borrower by the Credit Bank; or

          (d) any warranty, representation or other written statement made by or
on behalf of Borrower contained in this Agreement, or in any Bond Document or in
any instrument furnished in compliance with or in reference to any of the
foregoing, is false or misleading in any material respect on any date as of
which made, and such falsity or misleading statement materially and adversely
affects the Project, the Property or Borrower, or its ability to perform under
this Agreement, the Environmental Indemnity, the Security Agreement or any other
Bond Documents to which Borrower is a party; or

          (e) Borrower makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, files a
petition in bankruptcy, is unable generally to pay its debts as they come due,
is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt or there is entered any order or decree
granting relief in any involuntary case commenced against Borrower under any
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in
effect, or if Borrower petitions or applies to any tribunal for any receiver,
trustee, liquidator, assignee, custodian, sequestrator or other similar official
of Borrower or of any substantial part of its properties, or commences any
proceeding in a court of law for a reorganization, readjustment of debt,
dissolution, liquidation or other similar procedure under the law or statutes of
any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect, or if there is commenced
against Borrower any such proceeding in a court of law which remains undismissed
or shall not be discharged, vacated or stayed, or such jurisdiction shall not be
relinquished, within sixty (60) days after commencement; or

          (f) Borrower by any act, indicates its consent to, approval of, or
acquiescence in any such proceeding in a court of law, or to an order for relief
in an involuntary case commenced against Borrower under any such law, or to the
appointment of any receiver, trustee, liquidator, assignee, custodian,
sequestrator or other similar official for Borrower, or if Borrower 

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
suffers any such receivership, trusteeship, liquidation, assignment,
custodianship, sequestration or other similar procedure to continue undischarged
for a period of sixty (60) days after commencement or if Borrower takes any
action for the purposes of effecting the foregoing; or

          (g) any material provision of this Agreement, the Security Agreement,
the Environmental Indemnity, the Deeds of Trust or of any of the Bond Documents
shall cease to be valid and binding, or Borrower or any governmental entity
shall contest any such provision, or Borrower, or any agent or trustee on behalf
of Borrower, shall deny that it has any or further liability under this
Agreement, the Environmental Indemnity, the Security Agreement, the Deeds of
Trust or any of the Bond Documents;

          (h) final judgment for the payment of money in excess of an aggregate
of $100,000 related to the Project and not fully covered by insurance shall be
rendered against Borrower and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of
thirty (30) consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively
stayed or for the payment of which a surety bond or other adequate security has
not been obtained in the judgment of the Credit Bank; or

          (i) any reportable event (as defined in ERISA) which the Credit Bank
determines in good faith constitutes grounds for the termination of any Plan of
Borrower or for the appointment by the appropriate United States District Court
of a trustee to administer or liquidate any such Plan, shall have occurred and
be continuing thirty (30) days after written notice to such effect shall have
been given to Borrower by the Credit Bank; or any such Plan shall be terminated;
or a trustee shall be appointed by the appropriate United States District Court
to administer any such Plan; or the PBGC shall institute proceedings to
administer or terminate any such Plan; and in the case of any such event the
aggregate amount of vested unfunded liabilities under such Plan shall exceed
(either singly or in the aggregate in the case of any such liability arising
under more than one such Plan) 5% of the total assets of Borrower; or

          (j) the failure of any Bonds to be remarketed within 90 days of the
date of a Purchase Drawing (except if such failure to remarket is a result of a
change in Credit Bank's rating or a material adverse change in the financial
condition of the Credit Bank).

          SECTION 10.2. Remedies.  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
                        --------
pursuant to Section 10.1(f) or (g), all amounts payable by Borrower under this
Agreement shall become due and payable, in each case automatically and
immediately without any presentment, demand, protest or other notice or
formality of any kind (all of which are expressly waived).  Upon the occurrence
of an Event of Default (other than pursuant to Section 10.1(f) or (g)) the
Credit Bank may, by notice to Borrower, declare all amounts payable by Borrower
under this Agreement to be immediately due and payable (and the same shall upon
such notice become immediately due and payable), in each case without any
presentment, demand, protest or other notice or formality of any kind.  Upon any
such occurrence, the Credit Bank may, in addition, (a) exercise all of its
rights and remedies under any other Bond Document or applicable law or (b)
exercise all or any combination of the remedies provided for in this Section
10.2.

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
ARTICLE 11.  CONTINUING OBLIGATION.
             --------------------- 

             This Agreement is a continuing obligation of Borrower and shall,
until the later of the Expiration Date or the date upon which all amounts due
and owing to the Credit Bank hereunder shall have been fully and finally paid,
be binding upon Borrower, its successors and assigns, and inure to the benefit
of and be enforceable by the Credit Bank and its successors, transferees and
assigns; provided, that Borrower may not assign all or any part of this
Agreement without the prior written consent of the Credit Bank.

ARTICLE 12.  LIMITED LIABILITY OF THE CREDIT BANK.
             ------------------------------------ 

             Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts, omissions or misuse
of the Letter of Credit by the Trustee or any successor thereto. Neither the
Credit Bank nor any of its officers, directors or agents shall be liable or
responsible: (i) for the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or
legal effect of any document submitted by any party in connection with the
application for and issuance of, or the making of a Drawing under, the Letter of
Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid,
insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (ii) for the validity or
sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to
transfer or assign the Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or
proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or
ineffective for any reason; (iii) for failure of the Trustee to comply fully
with the conditions required in order to effect a Drawing; (iv) for errors,
omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages,
by mail, cable, telegraph, telex or otherwise; (v) for any loss or delay in the
transmission or otherwise of any Bond, document or draft required in order to
make a Drawing; or (vi) for any consequences arising from causes beyond the
control of the Credit Bank; provided, however, that Borrower shall have a claim
against the Credit Bank, and the Credit Bank shall be liable to Borrower, to the
extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential,
damages suffered by Borrower which Borrower proves were proximately caused by
(x) the Credit Bank's willful misconduct or gross negligence in determining
whether documents presented under the Letter of Credit comply with the terms of
the Letter of Credit or (y) the Credit Bank's willful or grossly negligent
failure to pay under the Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the
Trustee of a draft and certificate strictly complying with the terms and
conditions of the Letter of Credit. None of the above shall affect, impair, or
prevent the vesting of any of the Credit Bank's rights or powers hereunder.

             In furtherance and extension, and not in limitation, of the
specific provisions hereinabove set forth, any action taken or omitted by the
Credit Bank under or in connection with the Letter of Credit or any related Bond
Documents or other documents, if taken or omitted in good faith, shall be
binding upon Borrower and shall not put the Credit Bank under any resulting
liability to Borrower (except in the case of the gross negligence or breach of
this Agreement by Credit Bank).

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
ARTICLE 13.  MISCELLANEOUS.
             ------------- 

             SECTION 13.1. Amendments, Nonwaiver and Remedies. This Agreement 
                           ----------------------------------
may be amended only upon the written agreement of Borrower and the Credit Bank,
and Borrower may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act
herein required to be performed by it, only if Borrower shall first obtain the
written consent of the Credit Bank. No course of dealing between Borrower and
the Credit Bank, nor any delay in exercising any rights hereunder, shall operate
as a waiver of any rights of the Credit Bank hereunder. No single or partial
exercise of any right under this Agreement shall preclude any other further
exercise of such right or the exercise of any other right. The Credit Bank may
remedy any default by Borrower hereunder or with respect to any other person,
firm or corporation in a reasonable manner without waiving the default remedied
and without waiving any other prior or subsequent default by Borrower. The
remedies provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any
remedies provided by law.

             SECTION 13.2. Survival of Representations and Warranties.  All
                          ------------------------------------------      
agreements, representations and warranties of Borrower contained in this
Agreement and in any Bond Documents delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the issuance of the Letter of
Credit hereunder, and the agreements contained in Article 5 and Section 13.3
hereof shall survive payment of the Bonds, the reimbursement to the Credit Bank
of any payments or disbursements under the Letter of Credit and the termination
of this Agreement.

             SECTION 13.3. Expenses. Whether or not the transactions
                           --------
contemplated by this Agreement are consummated or the Letter of Credit is
issued, Borrower agrees to pay on demand, all reasonable costs and expenses of
the Credit Bank including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses
of Special Counsel in connection with the preparation, issuance or delivery, as
the case may be, of the Letter of Credit, this Agreement, the other Bond
Documents and any other documents which may be delivered in connection with any
of the foregoing. In addition, Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and
expenses of the Credit Bank (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) in
connection with (i) the filing, recording, administration, transfer, amendment,
maintenance, renewal or cancellation of the Letter of Credit, this Agreement or
the other Bond Documents, (ii) any payment by the Credit Bank under the Letter
of Credit, or (iii) any and all stamp and other taxes and fees payable or
determined to be payable in connection with the execution, delivery, filing and
recording of the Letter of Credit, this Agreement or the other Bond Documents,
and any other documents which may be delivered in connection with this
Agreement. In addition, Borrower agrees to pay promptly all costs and expenses
of the Credit Bank for (i) any and all amounts which the Credit Bank has paid
relating to the Credit Bank's curing of any Event of Default under this
Agreement or any of the other Bond Documents, (ii) the enforcement of this
Agreement or any of the other Bond Documents, or (iii) any action or proceeding
relating to a court order, injunction, or other process or decree restraining or
seeking to restrain the Credit Bank from paying any amount under the Letter of
Credit on the presentation of drafts and other documents in connection with the
same. Borrower agrees to save the Credit Bank harmless from and against any and
all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying or
omitting to pay any taxes and fees to the extent Borrower is obligated to pay
the same under this Section 13.3.

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 13.4. Waiver of Right of Set-off and Limitation on the Credit
                        -------------------------------------------------------
Bank Collateral.
- --------------- 

          (a)  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of
Default, the Credit Bank is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time,
without notice to Borrower (any such notice being expressly waived by Borrower)
and to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all
deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time
held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Credit Bank to or for the
credit of the account of Borrower against any and all of the obligations of
Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement, irrespective of whether
or not the Credit Bank shall have made any demand hereunder.

          (b) The Credit Bank agrees promptly to notify Borrower after any such
set-off and application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not
affect the validity of such set-off and application.  The rights of the Credit
Bank under this Section 13.4 are in addition to other rights and remedies
(including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which the Credit Bank
may have.

          SECTION 13.5 Notices.  All notices, requests and other communications
                       -------                                                 
hereunder shall be in written form (including bank wire, telegram, facsimile,
telex or similar writing) and shall be given to the party to whom addressed, at
its address, facsimile or telex number set forth below, or such other address,
facsimile or telex number as such party may hereafter specify for the purpose by
notice to the other parties listed below.  Each such notice, request or
communication shall be effective (i) if given by telex, facsimile or other
electronic means, when such communication is transmitted to the address
specified below and the appropriate answer back is received, (ii) if given by
mail, three days after such communication is deposited in the United States mail
with postage prepaid by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
addressed as aforesaid or (iii) if given by any other means, when delivered at
the address specified below.  All notices given by telex, facsimile or other
electronic means shall be confirmed in writing as promptly as practicable.

          If to Borrower:

               Provena Foods Inc.
               5010 Eucalyptus Avenue
               Chino, California  91710
               Attention:  Thomas J. Mulroney
               Telephone:  (909) 627-1082
               Facsimile:  (909) 677-7315

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
          with a copy to counsel:

               Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch
               530 "B" Street
               San Diego, California  92101
               Attention:  Gary Wright, Esq.
               Telephone:  (619) 515-3248
               Facsimile:  (619) 235-0398

          If to the Credit Bank:

               Comerica Bank-California
               333 West Santa Clara Street, 5th Floor
               San Jose, California 95113
               Attention: Michael J. Archer
               Telephone: (408) 556-5361
               Facsimile: (408) 556-5395

          with a copy to counsel:

               Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
               11355 West Olympic Boulevard
               Los Angeles, California 90064-1614
               Attention:  Chris A. Carlson, Esq.
               Telephone: (310) 312-4000
               Facsimile: (310) 312-4224


          SECTION 13.6. Participation.  The Credit Bank may at any time arrange
                        -------------
for other banking institutions of the Credit Bank's choosing ("Participants") to
participate in all or any portion of the Credit Bank's obligations under the
Letter of Credit, of the obligations of Borrower evidenced hereby and by the
Bonds which may be held by the Credit Bank or its nominee ("Participations").
Without in any way limiting the right of the Participants hereunder, Borrower
agrees that the Participants shall be entitled to (i) receive copies of all
documents furnished to the Credit Bank pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof (at such
addresses as the Credit Bank shall designate from time to time to Borrower in
writing) and (ii) receive the benefits of Sections 2.7 and 2.8 hereof to the
extent of their respective Participations.  Notwithstanding the Credit Bank's
granting of any Participations, Borrower shall have the right to continue
dealing solely with the Credit Bank and agents of the Credit Bank which have
been appointed in writing (as to the appointment of which Borrower has received
written notice).  No Participant shall enter into any reimbursement security or
other similar agreement with Borrower with respect to the Letter of Credit, this
Agreement or the Bonds.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any
Participations, Borrower shall not be liable for any Taxes or other expenses in
excess of that amount which would be otherwise due without such Participations
and no Participation shall be 

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
allowed if such Participations would result in a lower credit rating for the
Bank or the Bonds or increase the cost to the Borrower or result in any default
under the Bond Documents.

          SECTION 13.7. Satisfaction Requirement.  If any agreement, certificate
                        ------------------------                                
or other writing, or any action taken or to be taken, is by the terms of this
Agreement required to be satisfactory to the Credit Bank, the determination of
such satisfaction shall be made by the Credit Bank in its sole and exclusive
judgment exercised in good faith.

          SECTION 13.8. Uniform Customs and Practices.  This Agreement and the
                        -----------------------------
Letter of Credit shall be subject to the Uniform Customs and Practice (a copy of
which is available upon request), and, in the event any provision of the Uniform
Customs and Practice is or is construed to vary from or be in conflict with any
provision of the California Uniform Commercial Code, as from time to time
amended and in force (the "Commercial Code"), the Uniform Customs and Practice
shall prevail.  In addition to other rights of the Credit Bank hereunder or
under application for the Letter of Credit, any action, inaction or omission
taken or suffered by the Credit Bank, or by any of its correspondents, under or
in connection with the Letter of Credit or the relative instruments, documents,
or property, if in good faith and in conformity with such foreign or domestic
laws, regulation, or customs as the Credit Bank or any of its correspondents may
deem to be applicable thereto, shall be binding upon Borrower and shall not
place the Credit Bank or any of its correspondents under any liability to
Borrower.

          SECTION 13.9. Governing Law.  This Agreement and the Letter of Credit
                        -------------
shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and the rights of the
parties shall be governed by, the law of the State of California, without giving
effect to conflicts of law principles.  The parties hereby waive, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, any rights they may have to a jury trial.

          SECTION 13.10.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed
                          ------------
simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement to
produce or account for more than one such counterpart.

          SECTION 13.11.  Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement 
                          ------------
which is prohibited, unenforceable or not authorized in any jurisdiction shall,
as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition,
unenforceability or nonauthorization without invalidating the remaining
provisions hereof or affecting the validity, enforceability or legality of such
provision in any other jurisdiction.

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be duly executed and delivered by their respective duly authorized officers as
of the day and year first above written.

BORROWER:

PROVENA FOODS INC.,
a California corporation


By: /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
   ____________________________________
Its: CFO
    ___________________________________




Credit Bank:
- ----------- 

COMERICA BANK-CALIFORNIA



By: /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
    ____________________________________
Its:  VP
     ___________________________________

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit A

                               Legal Description


All that certain real property now or hereafter acquired, in the City of Lathrop
and County of San Joaquin, State of California (the "Land"), more particularly
described as follows:

Lot 3 of Tract No. 2208 CROSSROADS COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL PARK UNIT NO. 1, in the
County of San Joaquin, State of California, as per Map thereof recorded in Book
31 of Maps, Page 70, San Joaquin County Records.

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit B

                            Form of Letter of Credit

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
                                   Exhibit C

                              Redemption Payments
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                         Monthly      Annual
                Date                    Payments     Payments
                ----                   ----------    --------
     <S>                               <C>           <C>
 
     May 1, 2000 - April 1, 2001        $ 6,391.67   $ 76,700
     May 1, 2001 - April 1, 2002        $ 6,750.00   $ 81,000
     May 1, 2002 - April 1, 2003        $ 7,125.00   $ 85,500
     May 1, 2003 - April 1, 2004        $ 7,533.33   $ 90,400
     May 1, 2004 - April 1, 2005        $ 7,958.33   $ 95,500
     May 1, 2005 - April 1, 2006        $ 8,408.33   $100,900
     May 1, 2006 - April 1, 2007        $ 8,883.33   $106,600
     May 1, 2007 - April 1, 2008        $ 9,383.33   $112,600
     May 1, 2008 - April 1, 2009        $ 9,916.67   $119,000
     May 1, 2009 - April 1, 2010        $10,475.00   $125,700
     May 1, 2010 - April 1, 2011        $11,058.33   $132,700
     May 1, 2011 - April 1, 2012        $11,683.33   $140,200
     May 1, 2012 - April 1, 2013        $12,341.67   $148,100
     May 1, 2013 - April 1, 2014        $13,041.67   $156,500
     May 1, 2014 - April 1, 2015        $13,766.67   $165,200
     May 1, 2015 - April 1, 2016        $14,558.33   $174,700
     May 1, 2016 - April 1, 2017        $15,366.67   $184,400
     May 1, 2017 - April 1, 2018        $16,241.67   $194,900
     May 1, 2018 - April 1, 2019        $17,158.33   $205,900
     May 1, 2019 - April 1, 2020        $18,125.00   $217,500
     May 1, 2020 - April 1, 2021        $19,150.00   $229,800
     May 1, 2021 - April 1, 2022        $20,225.00   $242,700
     May 1, 2022 - October 1, 2023      $45,194.44   $813,500
</TABLE>

                                       33

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                        -------------------------------
                                        



The Board of Directors
Provena Foods Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement (No.
33-23852) on Form S-8 of Provena Foods Inc. of our report dated February 1,
1999, relating to the balance sheets of Provena Foods Inc. as of December 31,
1998 and 1997, and the related statements of earnings, shareholders' equity, and
cash flows and related schedule for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1998, which report appears in the December 31, 1998 annual
report on Form 10-K of Provena Foods Inc.



                                                           KPMG LLP



Orange County, California
March 10, 1999

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                       4,057,059
<SECURITIES>                                    19,471
<RECEIVABLES>                                3,842,760
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                  1,458,369
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             9,436,777
<PP&E>                                      11,344,150
<DEPRECIATION>                               3,742,110
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              17,279,663
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        2,215,697
<BONDS>                                      4,000,000
                        4,572,482
                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                   5,906,965
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                17,279,663
<SALES>                                     24,502,571
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            27,958,619
<CGS>                                       21,794,110
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,252,774
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                18,919
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              87,348
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              3,799,962
<INCOME-TAX>                                 1,558,183
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          2,241,779
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 2,241,779
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .78
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .77
        

</TABLE>


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