October 10, 2012

Thanasi Foods of Colorado, US, will be releasing a new line of small batch smoked meats to complement its present line of specialty snacks.

The new Duke's Small Batch Smoked Meats line includes five types of flavoured jerky, steak and pork strips and two types of smoked sausage. Thanasi Foods officials note that the products will not contain nitrates or other artificial ingredients when they hit retail shelves in December. The company announced plans to produce these products a year ago.

The privately held company currently sells BIGS sunflower seeds and Duke's-branded meats in more than 50,000 retail locations nationwide.

Thanasi Foods is also introducing new packaging that includes a wider, re-sealable bag that showcases the product's steak cut and flavour in sizes ranging from three ounces to 4.5 ounces. The marketing plan for the new line will feature on-pack promotions, product sampling loyalty programmes, social media efforts and regional event sponsorships supported by traditional outdoor and radio advertising over the course of 2013.

Founded in 2003, Thanasi Foods specialises in linking major national brands like Jim Beam, Frank's Red Hot Sauce, Vlasic and Kikkoman with its snack food products in the seed and beef categories.