NEW YORK, May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As part of ongoing efforts
to create more value-added products, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) has
developed three new product innovations in its retail chicken business. The
company provided details today at an investor conference in New York City.
Tyson has introduced 100% All Natural Marinated Fresh Chicken, which
contains no artificial ingredients. The company will also soon offer
consumers two new convenience driven product lines. They include Trimmed
and Ready (TM) fresh chicken, which is hand trimmed and ready to cook, as
well as individually wrapped, boneless chicken breasts for consumers who
choose to freeze some of the product for later use.
"We're excited about each of these new product initiatives and the
value they bring to the Tyson brand of retail chicken," said Bill Lovette,
Tyson senior group vice president of Poultry and Prepared Foods, who spoke
Thursday at the Harris Nesbitt Agriculture and Protein Investor Conference.
"They will provide today's consumers with more of what they want -- all
natural, great tasting products as well as convenience, which will elevate
our brand."
"To have a strong brand in beef and pork, we must maintain the strength
of our branded, fresh chicken program. It's very important to our company
and our brand to continue innovating in this category," he added.
The 100% All Natural, Trimmed and Ready and individually wrapped
products are being rolled out as part of the ongoing "Powered by Tyson"
marketing program. The company plans to spend $5 million on TV and radio
spots to support these specific products.
100% All Natural
Tyson began producing 100% All Natural Marinated Fresh Chicken on May
1. It includes a new, consumer-friendly packaging design, which
communicates the attributes of the product: all natural, no artificial
ingredients and the endorsement of the American Heart Association.
"We believe our unique, proprietary process for producing our
marinated, fresh product is unmatched in the industry," Lovette said.
The Tyson marinated line's ingredient statement is very simple:
chicken, chicken broth, sea salt and natural flavor. It has significantly
lower sodium than competing brands of marinated fresh chicken. Other
so-called "natural enhanced" fresh chicken brands have taken the approach
of removing phosphates and replacing them with additional sodium.
"An increasing number of consumers tell us they want all natural
chicken, yet prefer the taste and juiciness of marinated product," Lovette
said. "That's why we've initiated this new line. Marinated chicken is more
forgiving for the home cook because it turns out tender and juicy. And it
just tastes better."
Trimmed and Ready
Tyson's new Trimmed and Ready (TM) fresh chicken is a line of seven
premium cuts. Each is hand trimmed and selected to deliver the highest
quality chicken. There is no additional trimming or handling required by
consumer.
"Considering more than three-quarters of all fresh meat purchases are
fresh chicken, and more than half of consumers are currently trimming fat
prior to cooking, we believe our Trimmed and Ready(TM) products will fill a
real consumer need," according to Lovette.
Individually Wrapped
The Trimmed and Ready(TM) products will be rolled out in June along
with individually wrapped Tyson boneless, skinless fresh chicken breasts.
The re- sealable outer bag holds individually wrapped portions, allowing
consumers to take out only the number of pieces they need.
"We developed this product for the 66% of consumers who buy fresh
boneless skinless breasts and freeze them for later use," Lovette said.
"Each portion is packaged to be leak resistant to reduce clean-up and
improve the thawing process. It's also great for people who don't like to
handle raw chicken."
Approximately 45 percent of consumers who buy boneless breast meat are
feeding one to two people. "We think the bag-in-bag product will drive
incremental volume by increasing household penetration among light users
who would prefer individual portions," he said. "At the same time, heavy
and medium users of fresh chicken can trade up for the added convenience of
freezer ready."
The company anticipates extending the individually wrapped concept to
other products.
About Tyson
Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale,
Arkansas, is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef,
and pork, the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500 and a member
of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and
prepared food products, which are marketed under the "Powered by Tyson(TM)"
strategy. Tyson is the recognized market leader in the retail and
foodservice markets it serves, providing products and service to customers
throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has
approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and
offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values,
Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate
with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its
shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be
faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of
the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
SOURCE Tyson Foods, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.tyson.com
CONTACT:
Gary Mickelson of Tyson Foods, Inc.,
+1-479-290-6111
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