New products, free meat samples create huge traffic jams in McCormick Place aisles
Tyson Food's expertise in fresh pork is the result of aggressive genetic and nutritional research.
by Bryan Salvage, editor
Ensuring and improving food safety may be the top priority for the U.S. supermarket industry. But getting a free hot dog was the major priority for thousands attending this year's International Supermarket Industry Convention & Educational Exposition held in Chicago in May.
Huge exhibits, particularly by Sara Lee Corp. and Kraft Foods, attracted throngs of attendees who waited in long, snaking lines to claim a free hot dog and other meat samples.
With both exhibits located next to each other, it was almost impossible to fight through the crowds to see what the companies were displaying.
Mob scenes like this have become commonplace at the Food Marketing Institute's annual convention in recent years despite a growing trend towards eating less red meat for several reasons. First and foremost, people still like the taste of meat.
Second, an increasing number of tastier, healthier alternatives are being offered on the exhibit floor. Third, the variety of meat exhibits continues to expand. For example, this year's meat exhibits ranged from ostrich steak to luncheon and deli meats; bison meat products to meat snacks; and from gourmet venison to premium frozen entrees.
Tyson case-ready pork
During the show, Fayetteville, Ark.-based Tyson Foods announced it had introduced a full line of case-ready fresh pork products under the Tyson Guaranteed Quality Pork label. The company's expertise in fresh pork is the result of more than 20 years of aggressive genetic and nutritional research.
Tyson's leaner pork products are carefully trimmed to one-eighth inch of fat or less. Product is shipped in master cases containing multiple modified atmosphere bags, which prolong product freshness, maximize shelf life and deliver premium product color, allowing meat managers to merchandise without shrink. The packaging, which consists of heavy-duty tray and Cryovac overwrap film, stands up to consumer abuse.
This new line is being supported with a high-impact consumer marketing program. Marketing communication will center on the promise of, "The best pork you ever served your family...or it's free." This marketing strategy will tap into Tyson's significant brand equity and loyal consumer base.
Radio and newspaper advertising will introduce the product in each new market. Point-of-sale materials will include a colorful recipe brochure with a 55-cent coupon and an informative booklet which explains the features and benefits of the fresh pork.
Other exhibits
Three varieties of new Healthy Choice brand deli meats were on display. Healthy Choice Bologna is made from choice cuts of pork, turkey and beef and combined with a blend of seasonings and a hint of red paprika. It is then fully cooked. Each piece is a deli faced half stick.
Honey Ham is made from lean ham muscles which are hand trimmed of all visible fat, hand stuffed, pressed, fully cooked and cured with Grade A fancy honey and lightly smoked. Its golden colored exterior is oval shaped to produce perfectly round slices.
Virginia Brand Ham is trimmed of all visible fat. Product comes from select, lean and tender ham muscles, then is fully cooked and cured. This bullet-shaped ham is hand-glazed with a caramel coating.
Going against the flagging "less-is-best" craze, Nestle Frozen Food Co. introduced Stouffer's Hearty Portions and Stouffer's Lean Cuisine Hearty Portions-16 entrees that offer larger servings. Each of the two new product lines offers consumers up to 50 percent more food and eat-from-the-package convenience.
The menu of eight Stouffer's Hearty Portions includes Salisbury Steak with Pasta Shells, Meatloaf with Whipped Potatoes, Veal Parmigiana with Spaghetti in a Marinara Sauce, and Country Fried Steak with Whipped Potatoes. Stouffer's Lean Cuisine Hearty Portions features eight meals that are low fat and saturated fat, low calorie and low cholesterol.
Stouffer's Hearty Portions and Lean Cuisine Hearty Portions entrees average 16 ounces and 14 ounces, respectively, and carry a suggested retail price of $2.99.