Eckrich Bacon Lovers Deli Meats Announce National Expansion

LISLE, Ill., Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a dream come true for bacon lovers. Eckrich, part of John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, has expanded its availability of its five varieties of Bacon Lovers® Deli Meats.  The innovative, new deli meat line made with real bacon is now available to shoppers in grocery stores across the United States. In support of the national expansion, Eckrich has recently launched "The Best Idea Ever," an industry-leading national advertising campaign complete with radio, television, digital, social media and in-store advertising elements that support the line. 

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Eckrich Bacon Lovers Deli Meats makes it easier for consumers to get the bacon experience they crave within the deli meats they love. The Bacon Lovers varieties available are: Bacon Covered Ham, Bacon Ranch Chicken Breast, Bacon Covered Club, Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast with Bacon and Peppered Bacon Covered Roast Beef. The products were first introduced in May 2012 and are now available to grocers and consumers nationwide.

"We have seen and heard a lot of interest in the Bacon Lovers line since our initial launch," said Charles Gitkin, vice president, marketing, R&D and innovation for the John Morrell Food Group. "It is because of this that we're investing in a national campaign to bring awareness of these great products to a broader group of consumers, inviting them to the deli to try Eckrich Bacon Lovers Deli Meats."

"The Best Idea Ever" campaign reinforces the notion bacon truly does make everything taste better. The campaign will broadcast television and radio commercials through 10 months in 2013, including spots on the new hit show United States of Bacon airing on Destination America. The advertising campaign also includes unique in-store point of sale materials, as well as digital spots on Facebook and key recipe, food and entertainment websites.

"Bacon Lovers Deli Meats is a unique and fun product line in the deli category," said Elizabeth Di John, Brand Manager, Eckrich Deli Meats.  "People continually express their enthusiasm and excitement for bacon and for new ways to enjoy it. The campaign really captures this passion with what we think is the best idea ever, placing real bacon within the deli meats they already love."

In efforts to help people enjoy the products in new ways, Eckrich has created several recipes with Bacon Lovers Deli Meats, such as Ranch Chicken Quesadillas, Applewood Smoked Turkey Wraps and Cheesy Roast Beef Sandwiches. To access them, or for more information about the products, visit www.Facebook.com/EckrichMeats. 

About John Morrell Food Group
With over a century and a half of experience, John Morrell Food Group brands have become respected and well known for providing premium-quality meat products to families across the United States. With products ranging from lunchmeat and franks to smoked sausage, bacon and pepperoni, the John Morrell Food Group is an important part of consumers' mealtimes. The John Morrell Food Group offers several national and regional brands including Armour®, Eckrich®, John Morrell®, Curly's®, Patrick Cudahy®, Carando®, Healthy Ones®, Margherita®, Kretschmar® and LunchMakers®.

About Eckrich 
Founded by Peter Eckrich in 1894, Eckrich has a rich heritage starting from a small meat market in Fort Wayne, Ind. Through it all, Eckrich meats have been recognized for their great taste and supreme quality, craftsmanship, care and pride. For more information, visit www.eckrich.com.

SOURCE Eckrich