Sausages are known for more than their versatility and taste. They are also the medium for some of the most imaginative product development in the meat industry. Any major taste trend or consumer interest eventually makes its way to market in a sausage version. Healthier sausages, bison sausages, spicier sausages, sausages with all manner of inclusions — they are all readily available for the consumer who wants something a little different from the ordinary. Sausage companies have capitalized on this versatility to fill niches in the meat industry with their products.
Verde Farms has, for several years, specialized in grass-fed beef. The company has recently opened its own processing facility in Mullica Hill, N.J., to produce its high-end products in-house as well as provide processing services to other specialty meat companies. One of the company’s other recent initiatives was to launch a line of 100% grass-fed, 100% free-range, all-beef hot dogs and dinner sausages. Verde’s CEO, Dana Ehrlich, says the expansion was really a natural extension of its product line overall. Over time, the company’s product mix has expanded from premium raw steaks, ground beef and patties to include more “value-added” offerings.