Kretschmar Announces Super-Premium 'Master's Cut' Deli Meat Line

LISLE, Ill. – There's a new standard for deli meat. Kretschmar® Premium Deli Meats & Cheeses announced today the launch of Master's Cut, a line of super-premium bulk deli items. The line features unique flavors of turkey, ham and chicken that use the highest quality, cleanest ingredients. Simply put, there's not a better tasting, higher quality deli meat around. It is available at deli counters across the country.

Master's Cut features sweet, smoky, savory and robust flavors, which were inspired by consumer culinary trends. All products are gluten free, hormone free and have no MSG, nitrites or nitrates added. Each product also meets criteria for a heart-healthy food, as certified by the American Heart Association. Flavors include Sweet Smoked Ham, Pepper & Jalapeno Ham, Sweet Molasses Ham, Mesquite & Bourbon Turkey Breast, Santa Fe Turkey Breast, Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Breast, Cajun Style Turkey Breast, Pastrami Seasoned Turkey Breast and Chipotle Barbeque Chicken.

"We are extremely excited about the launch of Master's Cut," said Michael Sargent, brand manager for Kretschmar. "Its unique flavors and unparalleled quality have raised the bar for premium deli meats."

For the product launch, Kretschmar enlisted Certified Master Chef® Brian Beland as a brand ambassador. Chef Beland received his Certified Master Chef accreditation from the American Culinary Federation in 2010 following an eight-day cooking exam at the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, N.Y. He is currently the Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage at the Country Club of Detroit and is also a Chef Instructor at Schoolcraft College in Michigan.

As a brand ambassador, Chef Beland created five original recipes using Kretschmar Master's Cut and will make appearances on behalf of Kretschmar throughout 2014 at trade shows and food and beverage expos. Additionally, Kretschmar will execute a sweepstakes in which the winners will receive a trip to the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley where Chef Beland will give them a personal cooking tutorial.

"I'm thrilled to share with everyone Kretschmar's newest product line, Master's Cut," said Certified Master Chef Brian Beland. "Its wide array of flavors and quality ingredients provide tons of possibilities in the kitchen. I've really enjoyed cooking with the meats and developing new recipes for Kretschmar. I know that consumers will appreciate its versatility and top-notch taste in their recipes as well."

For more information on Master's Cut, Chef Brian Beland, or to view his five new Master's Cut recipes, log onto www.kretschmardeli.com.

About Kretschmar

Kretschmar Premium Deli Meats & Cheeses has meant quality since 1883. Our hams are made with a unique hardwood smoking process. Kretschmar poultry and beef are hand-trimmed using the finest cuts. Our full line of Off-The-Bone deli meats are delicately sliced from the leanest, most tender cuts. And our premium Wisconsin cheeses repeatedly win in competitions world-wide. Try the Legendary Taste of Kretschmar today.

For great recipes and more, like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kretschmardeli ) or our website at www.kretschmardeli.com.

About John Morrell Food Group

With over a century and a half of experience, John Morrell Food Group brands have become respected and well known for providing premium-quality meat products to families across the United States. With products ranging from lunchmeat and franks to smoked sausage, bacon and pepperoni, the John Morrell Food Group is an important part of consumers' mealtimes. The John Morrell Food Group offers several national and regional brands including Armour®, Eckrich®, John Morrell®, Curly's®, Patrick Cudahy®, Carando®, Healthy Ones®, Margherita®, Kretschmar® and LunchMakers®.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, Gwaltney®, John Morrell®, Kretschmar®, Curly's®, Carando®, Margherita®, and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and www.smithfieldcommitments.com.

Source: Smithfield Foods