Farmland Bacon Helps Luke Bryan Kick Off Tour
Luke Bryan’s country music and Farmland bacon– what’s not to like? Luke Bryan discovered a new, tasty way to help kick off his 2022 Farm Tour!
The country music star was surprised at his second tour stop in Mechanicsburg, Ohio, with a fun way to celebrate … a bacon-themed bar where everything served – from cocktails to snacks – was brimming full of Farmland bacon.
With eccentric drink options like Farmland Bacon-Infused Bourbon Manhattans and Farmland Bacon-Popcorn Bourbon Sours, made with the singer’s Two Lane Beer, it’s fair to say Luke Bryan was intrigued by the savory display. The bar even offered an array of delicious bacon-themed snacks ready to curb any pre-show appetite, including Bacon Swizzle Sticks, Bacon-Wrapped Hush Puppies, and Bacon On-The-Ranch Pinwheels.
As an official partner of Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour, Farmland presented its Bacon Bar to commemorate the annual concert series that gives back by awarding college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending a local college or university near the tour stops. To date, more than 60 scholarships have been granted.
In the brand’s continued efforts to support agriculture and farming communities, Farmland is proud to launch year two of its Honoring the Heartland Tour and be an official partner of country superstar Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour for a second consecutive year.
Throughout the 12-week mission, Farmland has been making two or three trips per week across the Midwest to deliver grab-n-go meals to those working in the agriculture industry, farming communities, and grocery/retail, and provide monetary donations to support the next generation of farmers.
To further invest in the future of the agricultural industry, Farmland is also excited to introduce its Farmland FFA Heartland Grant Program, which will be providing $20,000 in financial support to eligible members of the FFA to improve students’ work experience and to help with their development in the agriculture industry.
For more on the specialty food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Walmart Invests in Sustainable Beef to Give Affordable Options for Shoppers
Walmart has signed an agreement to acquire a minority stake in Sustainable Beef LLC, a rancher-owned company based in North Platte, Neb. Walmart’s equity investment is part of a broader strategic partnership to source top-quality angus beef from Sustainable Beef LLC’s new beef processing facility. This partnership helps supplement the current beef industry and provides additional opportunities for ranchers to increase their business. As part of the investment, Walmart will also have representation on Sustainable Beef’s board.
Walmart’s investment will help Sustainable Beef LLC open its beef processing facility in North Platte. The facility is expected to break ground next month and open by late 2024, creating more than 800 new jobs. Walmart’s work with Sustainable Beef LLC will create more capacity for the beef industry.
“At Walmart, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable beef to our customers, and an investment in Sustainable Beef LLC will give us even more access to these products,” said Tyler Lehr, senior vice president of merchandising for deli services, meat and seafood, Walmart U.S. “We know Sustainable Beef LLC has a responsible approach to beef processing, one that includes creating long-term growth for cattle ranchers and family farmers. This investment provides greater visibility into the beef supply chain and complements Walmart’s regeneration commitment to improve grazing management.”
The beef company will work with cattle feeders and ranchers to understand critical elements of the supply chain cycle, such as grain sourcing and grazing management. Animal care will follow the Five Freedoms, and there will be a consistent approach to antibiotic use and reporting across herds in line with Walmart’s Position on Antibiotics in Animals, which asks suppliers to adopt and implement American Veterinary Medical Association Judicious Use Principles of Antimicrobials. All of these components will help Sustainable Beef LLC to improve and refine the beef supply chain to provide quality beef for our customers.
“We set out on a journey two years ago to create a new beef processing plant to add some capacity to the industry and provide an opportunity for producers to integrate their business of raising quality cattle with the beef processing portion of the industry and do it in a sustainable manner,” said David Briggs, CEO of Sustainable Beef LLC. “During this journey we found that Sustainable Beef and Walmart aligned on continuing to improve how we care for our animals and crops and provide consumers the positive experience of enjoying quality beef.”
Walmart’s investment is the latest step in the retailer’s commitment to increasing access to high-quality beef at an affordable price for its customers, while boosting capacity for the beef industry and ensuring long-term economic viability for cattle ranchers.
Read more about issues of interest to the food and beverage industries by subscribing to Gourmet News.
Oscar Mayer Debuts ‘Cold Dog’ Frozen Pop
Oscar Mayer has debuted the first “Cold Dog,” a bun-derfully odd and surprisingly delicious frozen pop flavored like the beloved Oscar Mayer wiener.
Stemming from Oscar Mayer’s “Stupid or Genius” campaign – focused on all the wonderfully odd ways to enjoy the iconic wiener beyond grilling – the Cold Dog sparked a sizzling social media debate. While a cold hot dog may be polarizing, tens of thousands of fans relished the idea of a hot dog-flavored frozen pop and crowned the Cold Dog “genius,” so the brand made it a reality.
Oscar Mayer, a Kraft Heinz Company brand, is teaming up with Popbar, a premium frozen desserts company known for handcrafted gelato on-a-stick to create the Cold Dog, boasting both refreshing and smokey, umami notes of Oscar Mayer’s iconic wiener – all topped with a signature swirl of “mustard.”
Now available for just $2 at select Popbar locations, hot dog lovers can taste the frank-tastic new invention in Long Beach, New York City, Alpharetta-Atlanta and New Orleans while supplies last.
“After the overwhelming fan excitement for our beloved Cold Dog, it was a no-brainer to make this hot dog-inspired frozen pop a reality,” said Anne Field, Head of North American Brand Communications, Oscar Mayer. “For more than 130 years, Oscar Mayer has been sparking smiles and bringing levity into everyday moments, and we are thrilled to bring fans another wonderfully odd way to enjoy our iconic wiener while beating the summer heat.”
Oscar Mayer’s iconic 27-foot hot dog on wheels dons an icy makeover to sample Cold Dogs. Fittingly outfitted as a frozen pop truck, the Wienermobile features frosted windows, icicle-inspired decorations and more as it travels the hot dog highways to popular summertime destinations in NYC and the Jersey Shore now through August 27.
For more information and where to meat-up with the Wienermobile this week, visit OscarMayer.com and Oscar Mayer on Instagram.
To keep up with news from the food and beverage industries, subscribe to Gourmet News.