Pork Rinds in the News & Other Fun Stuff

Rudolph Foods recognized with US Department of Energy’s Energy Saver Award

LIMA, Ohio – May 25, 2010 —
Rudolph Foods, the world’s largest manufacturer of pork rinds and leader in private-label branded snacks, has been recognized by the US Department of Energy as a 2010 Energy Saver. This environmental award, now published on the US Department of Energy’s website, was bestowed specifically to the Lawrenceville, GA facility because the plant achieved more than 75,000 MMBtu total energy savings or more than 7.5% total energy savings. Proud of this recognition, Rudolph Foods is dedicated to preserving energy and finding new ways to be energy efficient.

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When the chips aren’t down

Sales are up in the salty snacks segment, and store brand renditions are attracting new fans. Where do retailers go from here?

PL Buyer, May 1, 2010 — Today’s consumers refuse to allow a little thing like a down economy hinder their right to crunch. To satisfy their salty snack cravings and still stay within budget, hungry consumers increasingly are opting for the store-bought salty snack fare to replace restaurant favorites such as chips and salsa. They also are choosing wallet-friendly store brands more often, according to data from Chicago-based SymphonyIRI Group Inc. (formerly Information Resources Inc.).

Although dollar and unit sales within the total salty snacks category grew a healthy 6.5 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively, during the 52 weeks ending Feb. 21 (supermarkets, drugstores and mass merchandisers, excluding Walmart), growth on the private label side was even more impressive. Here, SymphonyIRI reported a 16.0 percent rise in dollar sales and a 13.5 increase in unit sales during the same time frame.

“We’re continuing to get new consumers that are trying own brands,” notes Jim Wiegmann, executive vice president with Searer’s Foods Inc., Brewster, Ohio…

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Rudolph Foods celebrates first ever distribution to U.S. Military

LIMA, Ohio – April 14, 2010 —
Rudolph Foods, the world’s largest manufacturer of pork rinds and one of the world’s largest producers of branded and private label snacks, has expanded its distribution to convenience stores on Coast Guard and Navy bases nationwide beginning in early 2010. The new distribution will give Rudolph Foods the opportunity to provide an all-American, healthy snacking option to those who serve in the U.S. Military.

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Rudolph Foods featured in article on Food Business News

FoodBusinessNews.net, March 30, 2010 — Recent consumer surveys have shown that interest in products that deliver a little “zest” are on the upswing. Partly because of the growing Hispanic market—which favors products with a bit more bite—and partly because of a trend away from traditional flavors, products with a spicy profile are making their mark.

That mark is being made most often in the snack segment, where consumers are more open to testing their taste buds with new flavors.

Mark Singleton, vice-president of sales and marketing at Rudolph Foods Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio, said that while the seasoning game is complicated, once you get one right, “boy it works.” Rudolph hopes to have hit the right note with the chile and lime flavor that is appearing across the company’s product portfolio.

“It’s flavorful with lime,” Mr. Singleton said of the spicy citrus flavor that is appearing in the company’s Chicharinas wheat snacks and Colossal Cracklins pork rind products. “The intent was not to get red hot, it was to get full flavor. You see fajitas being served with a twist of lime. With the broadening of taste, we think this has a wonderful historical appeal, but also has great cross-over appeal.”

In addition to the chile and lime flavor, Mr. Singleton said Rudolph will be offering “wet seasoning” packets alongside several products…

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Art Contest for Area High School Students

Are you in high school in Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Putnam, or Van Wert county in Ohio? If you are, you’re eligible to enter the Rudolph Foods “Art That OINKS!” Art Contest.

The “Art That OINKS!” Art Contest is our way of having some fun while showcasing area student art and celebrating our very favorite animal… the PIG! Local High School artists are encouraged to submit artwork in one of the following categories: sculpture, painting, drawing, photograph, graphic design, or ceramic piece. Artwork should capture the quirkiness, appeal, and creativity consistent with the Rudolph brand and the animal we love, the PIG!

The Top 5 Finalists in the contest will have their artwork featured at the Pork Rind Heritage Festival. Prizes will be awarded in each category as well as to the People’s Choice Winner.

The contest runs April 6 through June 7, 2010.

Want more details? Check out the “Art That OINKS!” Art Contest main page and the Official Rules.

You can also download an entry form flyer. (pdf downloads in a new window)

On Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Rachael Ray featured Rudolph’s Chile Lima Chicharinas as her Snack of the Day. Click here to see highlights from Wednesday’s show.