Sam Gazdziak

Former Editor In Chief, Independent Processor, and Former Editor, National Provisioner.

Sam Gazdziak has been writing for trade publications since 1997 and joined The National Provisioner in 2004. He helped launch Independent Processor magazine in 2008 as its editor-in-chief.

Independent Processor's Prime Cuts

The new pork rind

Sam Gazdziak

May 16, 2018

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The traditional snack favorite is getting a new taste, thanks to Southern Recipe Small Batch.

The give-and-take of inspection in meat processing

Federal and state inspection help keep the food supply safe, but it must give small processors the opportunity to survive without drowning in paperwork or burdensome regulations.

Sam Gazdziak

April 24, 2018

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Companies are required to develop procedures to ensure that food safety objectives are being met, and inspectors verify those claims through observation and reviewing documentation.

Marcus Henley and Izzy Yanay of Hidden Valley Foie Gras

Hudson Valley Foie Gras welcomes visitors to learn the truths of foie gras production

Nothing to Hide: How one company is combatting misconceptions about foie gras production by offering total transparency.

Sam Gazdziak

April 19, 2018

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Foie gras, the fatted liver of a specially fed duck or goose, is produced by inhumane methods, critics say. To counter that argument, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, one of only two producers in the United States, has made an interesting decision: total transparency.

Support your local meat science department

Sam Gazdziak

April 18, 2018

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Meat Science and Animal Science departments are valuable resources for the meat and poultry industries.

Mulay's Sausage: Making Mama Mulay proud

Mulay's Sausage started with an old family recipe and has grown to a leading all-natural sausage brand.

Sam Gazdziak

April 18, 2018

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In the case of Mulay's Sausage, the founders went as far as to re-create an old family recipe and turn it into a popular brand that is through throughout the country.

Mighty Spark Food Queso Fresco & Jalapeno Turkey Patties

Co-Packing: A winning partnership

A brand with a vision and a processor with the expertise can make for an excellent co-packing partnership.

Sam Gazdziak

April 18, 2018

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When inspiration for a product comes from a new brand, the most practical way to manufacture the product is for the brand to find a capable co-packer to take the recipe and turn it into marketable products. When the relationship works, it can benefit both sides.

WAMP Meat Products Competition Winners Jake Sailer and Jamie Cline

Wisconsin's best meats awarded at WAMP Convention

Annual convention featured engaging speakers and the country's largest Meat Product Competition.

Sam Gazdziak

April 17, 2018

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Along with a line-up of speakers and a busy trade show floor, the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors annual convention also boasted the largest state meat products competition in the country.