Sargento Challenges Chefs to "America's Ultimate Cheeseburger" Summer Showdown

PLYMOUTH, Wis., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheeseburger aficionados—fire up the grill and brace yourselves for the ultimate summer cheeseburger showdown! Just in time for grilling season, Sargento presents "America's Ultimate Cheeseburger" contest to celebrate Americans' love affair with the summertime classic.

According to a recent survey, more than three in four Americans can't imagine eating a burger without cheese[1]. That's why Sargento asked chefs from iconic burger joints in New York (67 Burger), Miami (The Filling Station), Chicago (Butcher & the Burger), Milwaukee (Sobelman's Pub & Grill) and San Diego (Crazee Burger) to create a cheeseburger recipe to showcase their city or state's famous culinary flair. Each cheeseburger features at least one of the many delicious Sargento Sliced Cheese varieties, including Baby Swiss, Sharp Cheddar and Colby-Pepper Jack. What's even better is Sargento slices are always cut from 100 percent natural, never processed cheese. 

"The cheeseburger is an American classic—especially during grilling season—and Sargento Natural Sliced Cheese can take burgers to the next level," said Stephanie Meyer, core marketing manager at Sargento. "In fact, 82 percent of Americans believe cheese makes a burger taste better[1]. To spread the natural cheese love, we scoured cheeseburger restaurants nationwide to find the most mouthwatering bites, and we've left it to America's discerning palate to crown the victor."

Because cheeseburgers are such a summer-time favorite, Sargento conducted a survey that delves into what Americans' crave most. When it comes to the juiciest summer staple, here are the survey findings[1]:

• Forty-four percent of Americans list Cheddar as their favorite natural cheese for burgers.
• More than half of burger-lovers would forgo French fries to top their burger with cheese.
• Across the board, "simple and classic" is the preferred burger style among Americans in the Midwest (41%), Northeast (40%) West (30%) and South (29%).

To play a part in cheeseburger history, visit the "America's Ultimate Cheeseburger" tab on the Sargento Facebook page and cast your vote to help crown the nation's favorite juicy cookout creation. Then try the chef-created cheeseburger recipes in the comfort of your backyard patio.

For more information on Sargento products, and to locate a store near you that carries Sargento Sliced Cheeses, visit www.sargento.com.

About Sargento Foods Inc.
Sargento Foods Inc. has demonstrated its passion for cheese and cheese-based meal solutions throughout its history. Founded in 1953 in Plymouth, WI. Sargento is a leading manufacturer, packager and marketer of natural shredded, sliced and snack cheeses, cheese appetizers, ingredients, sauces and other culinary solutions. Sargento is owned and operated by the Gentine family, and has net sales of more than $1 billion. For more information, please visit www.sargento.com.

[1] The survey is based on 1,236 surveys completed by nationally representative Americans ages 18 and older, conducted on behalf of Sargento Foods Inc. in May 2012 by Kelton Research.

For More Information:
Kerry Robinson
GolinHarris
312-729-4141
[email protected]

SOURCE Sargento Foods Inc.