Meat and Poultry Industry News

9-17 news: Sadler's Smokehouse named official BBQ of the Houston Texans

Texas-based Sadler's Smokehouse Ltd. is now the exclusive barbecue of the NFL's Houston Texans, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Reliant Stadium. Sadler's genuine pit-smoked brisket is now available in Reliant Stadium concession stands at all events including Houston Texans games, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, concerts and more. Sadler's will also cater its brisket in stadium suites.

"We selected Sadler's Smokehouse because they offer the great taste of authentic, pit-smoked meats that Texans have come to expect in barbecue," said Greg Grissom, director of corporate development for the Houston Texans. "Our fans know great barbeque so Sadler's was the natural choice given the premium quality of their products."

As America's largest seller of brisket, Sadler's Smokehouse is the expert in genuine, pit-smoked brisket, ribs, pork and more. The company's proprietary smokers, using hickory and other hardwoods, were specially designed for hours of slow smoking. The result is incredibly flavorful, tender meat.

"We are honored to be selected as the exclusive barbecue of the Houston Texans, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Reliant Stadium, building on our brand's positive momentum in this key market," said Sadler's Smokehouse CEO Terry O'Brien. "We look forward to introducing our famous pit-smoked meats to hungry Houston sports fans and concert-goers this season."

Source: Sadler's Smokehouse Ltd.

Cherokee Nation cannot intervene in Oklahoma poultry court case

A federal judge has ruled that the Cherokee National cannot intervene in the Oklahoma attorney general's lawsuit against a number of poultry processors because its request was not done in a timely manner. The Cherokee Nation's attorney, Diane Hammons, is planning to appeal the decision. Hammons told the Tulsa World that the tribe had not wished to be a part of the lawsuit but decided to join once it was rules that the state could not seek millions of dollars in damages, because the tribe wasn't properly included. "The question is not who owns the water," Hammons was quoted by the newspaper as saying. "The question is who owns the pollution."

Source: Legal Newsline.com

Jennie-O campaign stresses overcoming fears, living healthier

Jennie-O Turkey Store is launching three broadcast advertisements that put a personal face on the challenges and triumphs associated with weight loss, weight maintenance and wellness.

“The Be Well campaign underscores an idea that has long been at the heart of our product portfolio: that lean protein can help people achieve the healthy lifestyles they desire,” said Cris Eide, vice president, director of marketing, Jennie-O Turkey Store. “The new TV ads are just one element of this campaign, which also includes sponsorship of NBC’s ‘The Biggest Loser’ for the fifth time, FSI’s and public relations programming.”

The 30-second spots will run in 11 major markets for the next four weeks during several TV network premieres, including NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” ABC’s “Desperate Housewives,” CBS’s “Two and a Half Men,” FOX’s “Glee” and CW’s “Bones.”

The ads inspire viewers with three distinct success stories:
* In “Shoelaces,” a man discusses his personal struggle with weight and his resolve to change. This new life includes adding Jennie-O Turkey Store products to his diet.
* In “Father/Son,” Michael Morrelli and his father Ron, former contestants on “The Biggest Loser,” share their real-life story of losing more than 400 pounds together. The viewer hears how Jennie-O Turkey Store products were, and still are, a part of their new lifestyle.
* In “Wrestling with Kids,” a mother shares her concerns about childhood obesity and pledges to take responsibility for ensuring her kids lead a healthy, active life – a goal achieved with the help of Jennie-O Turkey Store.

The ads were created and produced by BBDO Minneapolis. PHD-Chicago handled the media buying.

Source: Hormel Foods

Smithfield sets prices on upcoming stock offering

Smithfield Foods Inc. announced that it has priced its previously announced underwritten registered public offering of 21,660,649 shares of its common stock at $13.85 per share. In connection with the offering, the company has also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,249,097 shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any. Morgan Stanley, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Barclays Capital, and J.P. Morgan are the joint bookrunning managers of the offering.

The company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, with a goal of continuing to strengthen its balance sheet, which may include the retirement of debt.

The offering is being made pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 14, 2007. A prospectus supplement relating to the offering will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus relating to the offering, when available, may be obtained from Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department, 1-866-718-1649 or by e-mail at prospectus@morganstanley.com, or from Goldman, Sachs & Co., Prospectus Department, 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004, 1-866-471-2526 (telephone), 212-902-9316 (facsimile) or by email at prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com.

Source: Smithfield Foods Inc.