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Meats and Poultry

Niman Ranch Calls Prop 12 Ruling ‘Watershed Moment for Animal Welfare’

Chipotle Young Farmers Initiative full rights photography

Niman Ranch, the humane animal care leader, today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Proposition 12.

“This is a truly watershed moment for animal welfare. Since day one, Niman Ranch has been one of the only companies to ban the use of crates for raising hogs and today our more than 500 independent family farmer partners proudly raise their pigs 100 percent crate free. We applaud the Supreme Court’s decision and this historic moment for humane animal care.”

Chris Oliviero, General Manager, Niman Ranch

California’s Proposition 12, passed in 2018, requires farmers to provide more space for egg-laying hens, breeding pigs and calves raised for veal including that these animals be able to stand up, lie down, turn around and extend their limbs. It would also ban the sale of products in the state that do not meet the new standards. On May 11, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Proposition 12 as constitutional.

Niman Ranch is a network of independent family farmers and ranchers raising pork, beef and lamb humanely and sustainably, with no antibiotics or added hormones—ever. Niman Ranch is the largest farmer and rancher network in North America to be Certified Humane, an animal welfare certification considered rigorous and meaningful by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The company has always been 100 percent crate free and goes much further with animals raised outdoors or in deeply bedded pens, with no tail docking, teeth clipping or other standard industry practices.

Niman Ranch is the only pork company to submit an Amicus Brief to the Supreme Court in support of Proposition 12. Its  products are available at values driven restaurants and grocers across the country. Customers include Shake Shack, Chipotle and ButcherBox.

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‘Wienermobile of Love’ Awaits Wedding Couples in Las Vegas

Oscar Mayer, the brand known for uniting millions over a love of meat, announced the opportunity for soon-to-be-newlyweds to exchange vows in hot-dog bliss. Designed to subvert the seriousness of stressful wedding planning and highlight the joy weddings should bring, fans across the country may sign up to wed at the first “Wienermobile of Love,” a limited-time chapel conveniently located in the elopement mecca of the country: Las Vegas, baby!

Weddings are often described as the happiest day of couples’ lives, but getting to that point is not always a cakewalk. Between rising costs, large guest lists and oh-so-many opinions, 72 percent of couples report feeling stressed about planning the big day, according to the Zola Wedding Planning 2022 Survey.

Oscar Mayer is bringing some much-needed relief by providing couples the chance to trade in the hoopla of a traditional wedding in favor of something stress-free and fun: an elopement to the Wienermobile outside the iconic Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. The weddings will take place on April 15 and 16, where lucky couples w’ill be treated to a unique all-expenses-paid ceremony and wed by Oscar Mayer’s beloved Hotdoggers!

“From proposals and surprise meat-ups down the aisle to playing matchmaker to some of our own Hotdoggers, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile has held a special place in fans’ hearts – so much so, we receive thousands of requests each and every year to be part of couples’ big days,” said Ed Roland, senior manager brand communications for Oscar Mayer at The Kraft Heinz Company. “Now, as more people seek stress-free ceremonies with their partners, our Hotdoggers are thrilled to reignite the joy of this special day and give them a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a wedding through a pair of meat-colored glasses.”

Oscar Mayer has a legacy of sparking smiles and bringing levity to the everyday, particularly when things have gotten too serious. From the famed “Oh I Wish” jingle to the iconic bologna face mask, it’s been love at first bite for generations of Americans. The “Wienermobile of Love” is a natural extension of Oscar Mayer’s iconic brand platform, “Keep It Oscar,” focused on saving people from taking things too seriously, freeing people up to enjoy themselves with seriously delicious meats. From a live wiener whistle quartet to a wonderfully odd wiener cake, the 27-foot hot dog on wheels and its Hotdoggers will be dressed to impress, serving up a unique, joyful wedding experience only Oscar Mayer can.

Hot dog lovers across the nation may sign up on OscarMayer.com, available on a first come first serve basis. Bring your marriage license and appetite – Hotdoggers will “meat” you down the aisle.

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Country Music Star Luke Bryan to Tout Smithfield Foods Brands

Smithfield Foods‘ portfolio of consumer favorite brands are collaborating with country music superstar and television personality Luke Bryan to help recognize and uncover the good all around us, at the table to beyond.

Starting with the food we eat, the Good Goes On with Luke Bryan platform is setting out to help people discover how to best nurture themselves and be inspired to share the goodness with those around them through mealtimes, social gatherings and special occasions.

The diverse portfolio of brands, including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous and Carando, has provided shoppers with convenient, dependable and delicious meal options for decades. We nourish families and individuals throughout each day, but more importantly, we bring people together to eat, feel, and share good experiences.

“I’m proud to kick off the Good Goes On program because there’s always room for more good in the world,” Bryan said. “I’m a believer in finding the good in every day, having fun and spreading joy. We have a few surprises up our sleeves this year, so be sure to follow us as we continue to find ways you can spread the good in 2023!”

“Our brands are excited to partner with Luke Bryan to help continue our mission of bringing goodness to households through the food we provide,” said Tim Zimmer, chief marketing officer for Smithfield Foods. “Over the years, we’ve enjoyed seeing that even small and simple acts of thoughtfulness can make a difference. This year, we’re proud to join with Luke Bryan to focus on the good around the table and showcase how our brands help nurture the communities we serve across the nation.”

To see what Bryan will be up to next and stay up to date with Good Goes On, check out GoodGoesOn.com.

For more news of interest to the specialty food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.