"Our goal is to have 20 percent of our portfolio made with no artificial preservatives by 2015," said Heather Buettner, senior director new product development at Oscar Mayer. "The consumer response to Selects Hot Dogs was simply astounding."

Only 0.5 percent of new products reach $100 million in the first year, according to Symphony IRI Group. Oscar Mayer Selects Hot Dogs achieved that and more which put it in the top three new product introductions last year. Selects Hot Dogs also brought 20 percent incremental growth to the category, 70 percent incremental growth to the Oscar Mayer brand and brought non-users back to the category.

"Listening to our consumers, and finding better ways is just the way we do business," said Buettner. "More and more, consumers today want simple, everyday ingredients they know and trust. They want food they can feel good about that is affordable and easy to find. That's why we're bringing these new choices to the meat case and offering them at everyday prices in everyday stores," she said.

Oscar Mayer Selects includes 12 varieties: Six hot dogs, five cold cuts, as well as bacon. The complete line of Selects is now available in grocery stores nationwide.

"For Oscar Mayer, finding a better way is about more than new product introductions," Buettner said. To that end, Oscar Mayer, together with its suppliers and their farm families are working to find better ways to keep animals healthy and in a safe environment while treating them with respect. "Our consumers expect this from Oscar Mayer and our famous yellow band, which has always signified quality you can trust."

Source: Oscar Mayer