Smithfield Introduces New Pitmaster-Perfected Dry Seasoned Ribs

SMITHFIELD, Va. — As we head into the peak of grilling season, BBQ enthusiasts will be looking to take their next summer cookout to the next level – and thanks to Smithfield, cooking up a juicy, flavorful rack of fresh BBQ ribs just got a whole lot simpler. With the national availability of the all-new line of Smithfield Dry Seasoned Ribs, impressing family and friends with a pit-master perfected meal is now a cinch. Pre-seasoned in Bold & Spicy Southwest Style Peppercorn, these BBQ ribs will be ready in less than two hours, ideal for a convenient weekday dinner or delicious weekend feast that's sure to amaze.

"When it comes to cooking ribs, my best advice is to always use high quality cuts of meat and to season them up just right with lots of flavor," said Tuffy Stone, professional pitmaster. "Smithfield's new Dry Seasoned Ribs take care of both the quality and flavor for you, eliminating the extra prep work, so all you have to do is grill them up and enjoy!"

In addition to Southwest Style Peppercorn, Dry Seasoned Ribs will soon be available in select markets in three regionally inspired BBQ flavors with national appeal, including:

  • Sweet & Spicy Memphis BBQ Seasoned
  • Sweet & Tangy Carolina BBQ Seasoned
  • Sweet & Smoky Kansas BBQ City Seasoned

"Every region of the country has their own preferred BBQ style, and our new line of Dry Seasoned Ribs has a flavor for everyone," said Dennis Pittman, Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for Smithfield. "They deliver the essence and quality of a meal at your local favorite BBQ restaurant – with the convenience of making them right from your own home."

An excellent source of protein, Smithfield Dry Seasoned Ribs are available in the fresh section of the meat department at supermarkets nationwide. For more information, grilling tips and recipe inspiration, visit www.smithfield.com.

About Smithfield

A leading provider of high-quality pork products, Smithfield was founded in 1936 in Smithfield, Virginia, establishing the town as the "Ham Capital of the World." From hand-trimmed bacon to slow-smoked holiday hams, Smithfield brings artistry, authenticity and a commitment to heritage, flavor, and handcrafted excellence to everything it produces. With a vast product portfolio including smoked meats, hams, bacon, sausage, and fresh pork cuts, the company services retail, foodservice, and deli channels across the Unites States and 30 countries abroad. All of Smithfield's products meet the highest quality and safety standards in the industry. To learn more about how Flavor Hails from Smithfield, please visit www.smithfield.com, www.twitter.com/smithfieldbrand, and www.facebook.com/cookingwithsmithfield. Smithfield is a brand of Smithfield Foods.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 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®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, Nathan's Famous®, Kretschmar®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Carando® 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.

About Tuffy Stone

The Virginia native and former Marine is known as "The Professor" because of his passion for the science behind the grilling process. His 30 years of experience run the gamut from chef and restaurateur to pitmaster, caterer, competition backyard BBQ cook and TV personality. He founded his BBQ team "Cool Smoke" in 2004 and his restaurant Q Barbeque in 2008 to offer "better BBQ for everybody." When he is not offering tips to up-and-coming pitmasters at competitions or teaching classes with Cool Smoke, he can be seen on Destination America's BBQ Pitmasters where he has been a judge since 2009. Receiving attention from The Washington Post, Saveur Magazine, Taste of the South and an appearance in the 2012 documentary, Kings of BBQ Kuwait, Tuffy Stone is considered one of the top pitmasters in the country. For more information, visit www.coolsmokebarbeque.com.

Source: Smithfield Foods