July, 2006
Chefs looking for niche pork products but
not finding them easily
According to an on-line survey just completed by Plate
magazine with nearly 100 chefs, niche pork attributes such
as raised without antibiotics or growth promotants, no
animal by-products in the feed, and humane treatment of
animals were important to 50-60% of the chefs responding,
but 15% or less said that these attributes are easy to find
when purchasing pork. The survey also asked about the
importance of other niche pork attributes such heirloom
breeds, pasture-raised and organic. Also included were
questions about how frequently chefs buy locally grown or
farm direct and what would motivate them to do so; pork
brands used today; and if/how niche brands are featured on
the menu. Approximately half the surveys were completed by
chefs at fine dining/white tablecloth restaurants and almost
30% from the casual dining/theme restaurant/dinner house
category. More detailed research results to come on
nichepork.org.
New NichePork logo and graphics on display
at World Pork Expo
The new
NichePork logo and tagline “Find What You’re Looking For”
was on display this year during the NichePork-sponsored
producer breakfasts and lunches served throughout Expo in
the Swine Barn. The new graphics feature the various target
markets for niche pork marketing support – producers &
processors, chefs & retailers and consumers – and match what
can be found on nichepork.org.
Click here to view a PDF of the
graphics.
Is your nichepork.org listing up to date?
If you’re listed in the nichepork.org producer or processor
database and haven’t checked your listing recently, please
do so. If you’d like to make any updates or changes, simply
call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at 800-456-PORK
(800-456-7675). If you know of other producers or processors
involved in niche pork production that may be interested in
being listed, have them call 800-456-PORK (800-456-7675).
There is no charge to be listed
2007 planning
underway with input received from niche pork producers
The fifth
NichePork Marketing Producer Committee meeting since the
committee was formed in 2003 was held July 13-14 at the
National Pork Board office in Des Moines. The committee
looked at where the program started, how it’s evolved and
where it needs to go in 2007. Critical issues facing the
niche pork market that were explored included:
-
the
need for customers to be clear on what niche product
terminology including labeling really means to help
ensure price premiums are captured where unique
production methods are required
-
the
importance of being able to assure customers that there
is a process with accountability in place to verify
product claims
The NichePork Producer Committee was formed to provide direction and
oversight of the NPB Niche plan of work, continue to expand
niche marketing into new areas, gain interest in niche
marketing from producers and industry, and provide guidance
and input for the Niche Marketing department and its
strategies and activities. Members may also be called upon
to be involved in Niche Marketing seminars and meetings.
Producers: Click here to view your
checkoff responsibilities or call (515) 223-2617
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