StarKist Celebrates 50th Anniversary In American Samoa With Commemorative "Made In America" Canned Products

PITTSBURGH, July 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of its 50th anniversary in American Samoa, StarKist Co. today announced the launch of newly branded "Made In America" canned StarKist® Chunk Light Tuna in Water and StarKist® Chunk Light Tuna in Oil products, proudly prepared and packaged in the U.S. territory of American Samoa. To commemorate the brand's continued dedication to the island, its economy and its people, StarKist is also committing $50,000 to The Troy and Theodora Polamalu Foundation, which is devoted to supporting the territory.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130716/NY47397 )

"StarKist has proudly had operations in American Samoa since 1963, and we are thrilled and honored to be celebrating this milestone anniversary in American Samoa with new 'Made In America' branded products," said Frank Pogue, Vice President, Marketing and Innovation, StarKist.  "Like Troy and his family, we have a vested interest in the health, well-being and success of the American Samoan people and community.  We have a tremendous amount of heart for what the Polamalu family is doing on the island through the Foundation, and this gives us the chance to thank the American Samoan people for embracing us for all of these years."

The Troy and Theodora Polamalu Foundation seeks to enrich lives by providing humanitarian aid to the people of American Samoa affected by the massive 2009 tsunami, funding educational and sports programs for children, as well as for military veterans on the island. 

"We are excited and grateful to be working with StarKist for this initiative that is so close to our hearts," said Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu.  "This commitment from StarKist will give my family's foundation more opportunities to continue providing the great people of American Samoa with programs to further strengthen this incredible community."

In addition to working with The Troy and Theodora Polamalu Foundation, last month StarKist and other leading employers on the island formed an advocacy coalition to support a stronger American Samoan economy that can grow and thrive through meaningful policies at the federal and local level.  By convening the Stronger Economy for American Samoa (SEAS) coalition, StarKist hopes to raise awareness of the unique and significant economic challenges facing American Samoa and the importance of the territory to the United States.  StarKist is confident such steps will ensure the company will be able to celebrate at least 50 more years of operation in the territory.

StarKist and its Commitment to American Samoa
Beginning in 1963, StarKist has had a long and rich history in American Samoa that has proven to be a valuable relationship to both the company's and American Samoa's industries to this day.  StarKist stands as an island mainstay, as well as the largest source of private sector employment by far, employing nearly half of the island's private sector workers alone. Located in the heart of the U.S. territory, the company's largest tuna facility is situated in the capital city of Pago Pago, where the population's hard work and commitment have been instrumental in fostering its growth and success.

Look for the Red, White and Blue
Starting this summer, consumers can find the new red, white and blue StarKist^® 12 oz. Chunk Light Tuna in Water and StarKist^® 12 oz. Chunk Light Tuna in Oil products on grocery store shelves nationwide.  These products, which are prepared and packaged in the U.S. territory of American Samoa, feature an American flag banner and StarKist's iconic mascot, Charlie® the Tuna. To further celebrate the launch of the new product, Polamalu created a special recipe showcasing his favorite tuna dish--Polamalu's Tuna Pasta Salad.

For more information, visit www.StarKist.com and be sure to 'like' us on Facebook and check us out on Twitter and Pinterest.

Polamalu's Tuna Pasta Salad

Created by: Troy Polamalu

Ingredients:

1 can (12 oz.) of StarKist Chunk Light or Albacore Tuna, drained, and flaked
2 1/2 cups dry elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
1 cup diced celery 
1/2 cup chopped red onion 
1/4 cup of chopped sweet pickle (or sweet relish)
Salt and pepper to taste!

Directions:

1. Cook macaroni according to box directions until "al dente"
2. Place in a large bowl and mix in tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion and pickle until well blended.
3. Salt and pepper and serve over a bed of lettuce.  Enjoy!

About StarKist
StarKist Co. is a leading producer, distributor and marketer of shelf-stable seafood products in the United States. A category leader in innovation, StarKist was the first brand to introduce the StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch®; StarKist Tuna Creations®, a line of lightly marinated tuna; and, a dolphin-safe policy.  As America's favorite tuna, StarKist represents a 65-year tradition of quality, innovation and consumer trust and is well known for its charismatic brand icon, Charlie® the Tuna, who swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today.  StarKist Co. is a subsidiary of the Dongwon Group.

About the Stronger Economy for American Samoa (SEAS) Coalition
The Stronger Economy for American Samoa (SEAS) coalition seeks to broaden and strengthen the economic foundation of American Samoa to benefit the territory's future and advance U.S. interests. Striving to ensure the American Samoan people have the tools they need to build a vibrant and thriving future, this coalition aims to raise awareness of the historical ties of American Samoa and the importance of the territory to the United States; bring attention to the issues facing American Samoa; build support for a holistic economic development plan for the territory, and ultimately advance federal legislation to create jobs and to achieve viable, long-term economic growth and independence for the American Samoa economy.

SOURCE StarKist Co.