Universal Leaf Tobacco is a subsidiary of Universal Corporation, a tobacco merchant and processor with operations in agricultural products and the distribution of lumber and building products. Universal s tobacco operations has been the principal focus of the company since its founding in 1918. Universal s tobacco business includes selecting, buying, shipping, processing, packing, storing and financing of leaf tobacco in tobacco growing countries for sale to, or for, the account of manufacturers of tobacco products worldwide. Universal does not manufacture cigarettes or other consumer tobacco products. Most of the company s tobacco revenues are derived from sales of processed tobacco and from fees and commissions for specific services. The company s agricultural products business involves selecting, buying, processing, storing, shipping, financing and distributing, as well as importing and exporting a number of products, including tea, rubber, sunflower seeds, nuts, dried fruit and canned and frozen foods. Universal Leaf Tobacco is located in Richmond, Va.