WOOSTER, Ohio – Meat packers, processors and exporters satisfy growing consumer demand for great-tasting beef around the globe. The Certified Angus Beef ® brand recognized the focus of top suppliers on Sept. 19 at the brand’s annual conference in Marco Island, Fla. Ranchers, retailers and chefs joined the discussion on delivering top-quality beef from the farm to the table.
“The appeal of great-tasting beef is universal,” says John Stika, the beef brand’s president. “Our rancher, meat company, retail and chef partners deliver more than beef with the Certified Angus Beef ® brand. They provide a vital link between consumers and ranchers who are equally passionate about bringing their best to the table.”
- National Beef Packing Company, Kansas City, Mo., received Packer Marketer of the Year and Fabricator Proficiency awards. National’s marketing efforts included brand recognition at the Kansas City Kids Marathon and on helmets for customer plant tours. The company also assisted in capturing photos of the brand’s product specifications. The fabricator award identified National’s leadership for merchandising the most Certified Angus Beef ® product per certified carcass.
- JBS-USA, Greeley, Colo., was named International Packer Marketer of the Year for educational and marketing initiatives that supported a global approach to sales growth with the brand.
- John Soules Foods, Tyler, Texas, was awarded Value-added Products Marketer of the Year. The company featured thin meats at numerous food shows and assisted foodservice distributors with account visits. It also reached retailers and engaged consumers through social media and new recipes. Through this focus on quality, the company also earned the Top Processor Sales Volume Increase award, achieving a 31% sales gain this year with Certified Angus Beef ® brand items.
- WW Johnson Meat Company, Minneapolis, received the Commitment to Integrity award for the team’s leadership in gaining product approvals and strictly following labeling requirements for brand identification. Team members work closely with the brand’s staff at every step of the process.
Additional companies were recognized for the most Certified Angus Beef ® brand product sold during the past year.
- National Beef Packing, Dodge City, Kan. – Top Sales Volume Fabricator
- Cargill Meat Solutions, Wichita, Kan. – Top Sales Volume International Packer
- Wolverine Packing Company, Detroit – Top Sales Volume Ground Beef Processor
- AdvancePierre Foods, Cincinnati – Top Sales Volume Processor
- Quirch Foods Co., Miami, Fla. – Top Sales Volume Exporter
Million Head Awards honored three packer locations for their long-term dedication to the brand. National Beef-Liberal, Kan., became the first packer to achieve 4 million Angus-influenced cattle certified for the brand since becoming licensed. JBS-Grand Island, Neb., reached 3 million certified and Tyson Fresh Meats-Denison, Iowa, surpassed 2 million certified.
About the Certified Angus Beef ® brand
More than 16,000 businesses partner with the Certified Angus Beef ® brand, generating an estimated $6 billion in consumer sales annually, with retailers and restaurants in the United States and 45 other countries. The Certified Angus Beef ® brand is a cut above USDA Prime, Choice and Select thanks to 10 strict quality standards. Founded in 1978 by Angus cattlemen, this is the only beef brand owned by the American Angus Association® and brought to the table by its family farm and ranch members. For information, visit www.CertifiedAngusBeef.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter or the www.GoRare.com blog.
Source: Certified Angus Beef ® brand