Record-Breaking Eckrich® Bacon Lovers Deli Meats Now Available at Shoprite

LISLE, Ill., May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Only 24 hours after achieving one of the greatest feats of any product in the deli counter, Eckrich Bacon Lovers Deli Meats announced today that select varieties will now be available at stores supplied by Wakefern Food Corporation.  Select Bacon Lovers Deli Meats varieties, including Bacon Covered Ham, Bacon Ranch Chicken Breast, Bacon Covered Club and Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast with Bacon will now be available at more than 200 ShopRite locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland.  The grocer serves more than five million customers weekly.

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The new distribution comes on the heels of a monumental day for Bacon Lovers Deli Meats, which set a new precedent among GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® for the most hero sandwiches made in one hour.  Bacon Lovers Deli Meats by Eckrich, part of the John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, achieved the feat yesterday morning on board the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City as it continues to spread in popularity across the country.

Partnering with volunteers from Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit providing emergency financial and food assistance to military families and wounded warriors, Bacon Lovers Deli Meats assembled 2,706 Bacon Lovers hero sandwiches.  The sandwiches were then immediately donated to Operation Homefront and City Harvest in New York City to offer food assistance to those in need.

"Bacon Lovers Deli Meats continues to distinguish itself on various fronts," said Chuck Gitkin, vice president, marketing, R&D and innovation for the John Morrell Food Group.  "Our consumers have proven their demand for bacon covered deli meats and that's allowing us to partner with the Wakefern Food Corporation.  Bacon Lovers has also focused on never thinking too big to support our military families through our 'Operation Inspiration' campaign.  It's that dedication to community outreach that we're proud to bring to our new Shoprite customers."      

Operation Homefront has met the needs of more than a 100,000 families spanning across all military branches of service.  Eckrich has partnered with the organization since 2011. Yesterday's effort was part of the ongoing "Operation Inspiration," a campaign by Eckrich designed to honor, thank and support the military families who inspire their fellow Americans.  You can learn more about the program here http://www.youtube.com/user/eckrich

"It's been a groundbreaking week for our Bacon Lovers Deli Meats brand," said Elizabeth Di John, Brand Manager, Eckrich Deli Meats. "Extending the innovative new product line to Wakefern Food Corporation on the heels of such a historical event adds even more excitement for our brand.  We're proud to bring our products to the millions of loyal Wakefern consumers and are looking forward to spreading the news about Bacon Lovers Deli Meats to this area."

In efforts to help bacon lovers 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 the recipes, or for more information about the products, visit www.Facebook.com/EckrichMeats. 

About Smithfield Foods   
Smithfield Foods is a $13 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®, Gwaltney®, John Morrell®, Kretschmar®, Curly's®, Carando®, Margherita®, 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 and www.smithfieldcommitments.com.

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.

About Operation Homefront    
A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 6,500 volunteers, with nationwide presence, and has met more than 741,000 needs of military families since 2002. A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, 94 percent of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes directly to assist service members. More information is available at www.operationhomefront.net .

SOURCE Eckrich