SMITHFIELD, Va. – Hearing bacon-lovers’ cry for more delicious Smithfield bacon in a package that keeps bacon fresh, the company rolls-out an innovative package design new to the retail bacon category. Smithfield PouchPack is the only bacon package to offer two stay-fresh pouches each containing approximately six slices of uncooked, stacked bacon. The pouches are perforated for easy separation allowing consumers the flexibility of choosing how much bacon to cook at one time. The bacon saved for later stays fresh, sealed in the pouch for the next occasion.
The Smithfield PouchPack has additional advantages over typical bacon packaging in terms of convenience. Each pouch has an E-Z Peel opening that gives the consumer easy, mess-free access to the bacon. In other words, no more scissors and greasy hands. Plus, the bacon in the pouch is stacked so slices peel apart more easily.
With the Smithfield PouchPack, consumers can now easily add a fresh cooked slice of bacon to side dishes, sandwiches and center-of-the-plate more often without the worry and hassle of leftover bacon. Allowing consumers to cook only a few slices at a time creates quick preparation even on weekday mornings.
Smithfield’s own consumer research revealed that on average consumers are serving one to two people at an occasion with a serving size of one to three slices of bacon each. The majority of typical bacon packaging yields 16 slices or more in a package, leaving the average consumer with leftover bacon. Research further indicated that 75 percent of consumers had leftover bacon after a cooking occasion. Since the Smithfield PouchPack separates into two stay-fresh pouches with approximately six slices each, the PouchPack eliminates leftovers that typically go bad and are wasted. The PouchPack can also help maintain portion control by eliminating the desire to cook an entire package at one time to eliminate waste.
“Smithfield is listening to consumers and improving our products and packaging to meet their needs. We are proud to be the first company to take such a large step forward to please the bacon consumer,” stated Will Brunt, Vice President of Marketing for Smithfield Packing Company, Inc. “The Smithfield PouchPack is the next generation of bacon packaging. Now, consumers can enjoy what they already love – delicious Smithfield bacon – more often.”
Smithfield is the first to respond to consumers’ need for more bacon in smaller portions. Now that portion control is top-of-mind for many consumers, the Smithfield PouchPack comes at an opportune time. According to a recent report by The NPD Group, Inc., 43 percent of adults reported eating smaller portions in the past year while 57 percent plan to eat smaller portions in the next year. The report also revealed younger generations place portion control at a higher importance than older generations, illustrating a long-term significance of portion control to consumers.
Smithfield PouchPack Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon is now available in Hometown Original flavor. Retail price for a 12-ounce package of two pouches is competitive with the 12 and 16oz bacon category and varies depending on the retailer. Smithfield Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon in 16oz weight is also available in Hometown Original, Thick Cut, Lower Sodium, Maple Flavored, Brown Sugar Cured and Butcher’s Cut, and in 12oz varieties of Center Cut and Cracked Peppercorn. To find delicious recipes for all occasions, visit www.smithfield.com and www.facebook.com/CookingwithSmithfield.
About Smithfield Packing
The Smithfield Packing Company, Inc., was founded in 1936 by Joseph W. Luter and his son, Joseph W. Luter, Jr. Primary lines of business include fresh pork, smoked meats, bacon, cooked hams and hot dogs for retail, foodservice, and deli channels. The company exports products to approximately 30 countries. In addition to the Smithfield brand, its Gwaltney, Esskay, and Cumberland Gap products are among the leaders in their respective markets.
Source: Smithfield Packing