On a Wing and Flavor

Pilgrim’s, Greeley, Colo., celebrated National Wing Day (July 29) by introducing Pilgrim's Garlic Parm Chicken Wings, a “no-sauce, full-flavor” item to help wing lovers "Get Lost in Flavor, Not Sauce."

Officials say the new "mega meaty" wings are available at Costco locations throughout the Northeast. The wings are marinated and seasoned with a blend of rubbed spices and can be baked, microwaved, or prepared in an air fryer.

"Mixing things up is a great way to add a little excitement and variety to your summer menu. It's also a great way to add flavor without the mess, and that's always a plus!" said Rizwan Akbar, Head of Commerce, Pilgrim's.

Better by the Bun

Butterball, LLC, Garner, N.C., introduced Butterball Hearty Turkey Sausage, a bun-length, butcher-style turkey sausage link. Officials say it delivers the same taste and texture of its pork counterparts, but with 70% less fat than pork and beef smoked sausage. It is available in two flavors: Old World Smoked and Polish Style.

“The fully cooked smoked sausage category needs some sizzle, and we are going to deliver,” said Michelle Lieszkovszky, leader of new consumer solutions at Butterball. “Consumers expect healthy and delicious tasting turkey products from Butterball. They’ll crave the robust flavor and coarse texture of our Hearty Turkey Sausage. It’s everything that you’d expect from a traditional pork sausage, but with less fat. Retailers can now diversify their meat case selections with turkey sausage links, offering a flavorful and convenient alternative to pork or chicken.”

Butterball Hearty Turkey Sausage is precooked, gluten free, and only takes minutes to prepare on the grill or in the skillet or microwave. It is sold in 12oz units, with four links per package, and can be found at select retailers.

From TV to Taste Buds

FoodStory Brands LLC, Phoenix, Ariz., said it partnered with Paramount Consumer Products to develop a new broad line of western products inspired by the hit television series Yellowstone.

"For me, it's deeply meaningful to partner with FoodStory Brands on the launch of Yellowstone cuisine, as I'm not only head of craft services for the show but also the on-screen chef for the Dutton family," said actor and cookbook author Chef Gabriel 'Gator' Guilbeau. "I am thrilled to be part of the launch and beyond as an ambassador of this new line. Yellowstone has an exceptional culinary point of view with authentic Western cuisine, and I'm excited to share it with our fans.

The Yellowstone Western cuisine line includes angus beef chili (produced by Viettii Foods, Nashville, Tenn.,) as well as angus beef sticks and American Wagyu beef sticks (featuring Premium Brand Holdings’ Oberto's Cattleman's Cut brand).

Yellowstone Breakfast Meats will also be available at Walmart this October. This line of Western breakfast staples will include original and bacon breakfast sausage Links, as well as thick-cut bacon made by Stampede Meats, Bridgeview, Ill.

Make it Maple! 

Hormel Foods Corp., Austin, Minn., extended its popular SPAM line with a new maple variety, the brand’s 11^th flavor.

Officials say the new offering followed “an outpouring of fan-developed maple recipes and consumer insights and feedback. The variety unites sweet, natural maple flavoring with the savory goodness of SPAM classic, giving fans a delicious and complementary addition to any meal.”

“For 86 years, the SPAM brand has introduced a unique variety of products, aligning our great flavors with consumer trends and feedback,” said Lisa Selk, vice president of marketing. “When recent research showed a resurgence of cooking breakfast at home and an unwavering consumption of maple products, we knew it was time to create SPAM maple flavored. And as a permanent addition to our lineup, we can't wait to see the culinary creations our fans cook up for breakfast and beyond.”

Organic, Thick-Cut

North Country Smokehouse, Claremont, N.H., introduced organic, applewood smoked thick-cut bacon at The Fresh Market stores. The bacon sits alongside the popular sugar- free variety on shelves in all 159 store locations.

Officials say the pork is sourced from North Country's very own family farms, where livestock “is raised with respect.”

"We believe in the ethical treatment of animals," says Chris Mattera, Le Cordon Bleu trained chef and culinary innovator with North Country Smokehouse. "Beyond our commitment to non-GMO ingredients, we adhere to strict Certified Humane Raised & Handled and Global Animal Partnership program standards – in fact, we surpass them."