2022 Sizzles So Far for Craft Meat Producer The Baconer
As published in the March issue of Gourmet News.
California-based craft meat producer The Baconer, which was featured in a front cover story in February’s Gourmet News, is off to a good start this year with a new partnership, new award and new way to invest in its growth.
The Baconer, based in Emeryville, has announced a partnership with Eataly, the immersive Italian marketplace. Eataly shoppers can discover The Baconer craft meat products including the 2022 award-winning XXL Bacon Steaks, Smoked Lardons, Small Batch Bacon Strips and Ground Bacon.
The Baconer’s lineup of craft meat products is available in the meat department next to the butcher counter in Eataly stores including Eataly Boston, Eataly Chicago, Eataly Dallas, Eataly L.A., Eataly NYC Flatiron and Eataly NYC Downtown.
“In identifying a partner for The Baconer’s next phase of growth, it was important to find a leading food marketplace with a shared passion for inspiring people with the most authentic, high-quality and hand-crafted products,” said Camilo Velasquez, CEO and co-founder. “Eataly is a gastronomic wonderland. Their value proposition to bring the best regional food products to consumers aligns with our vision, and propels us forward as we continue to disrupt the bacon category.”
The Baconer is a leading craft producer focused on redefining how Americans think about, prepare, cook with and enjoy responsibly sourced, premium quality bacon and related products.
Eataly operates quality Italian markets in 11 countries around the world. Eataly is well regarded for its authentically prepared Italian foods and its use of high-quality Italian and local ingredients. Eataly locations offer an expansive marketplace, restaurant and even cooking school – the combination of which makes for an experience not found anywhere else.
“When shoppers come to Eataly – they know to expect high-quality ingredients, which is why partnering with Baconer was a perfect fit,” said Pete Molinari, Eataly’s head of meat and seafood. “They craft artisanal bacon products that are not only delicious, but crafted with care, by people who share our passion for eating better and living better.”
Perhaps Eataly shoppers will enjoy The Baconer’s XXL Smoky Paprika Bacon Steaks as much as Good Food Award judges did.
The steaks won in the charcuterie category at the 12th Annual Good Food Awards.
Crafted from responsibly sourced pork and cut ½-inch thick, the XXL Bacon Steaks bring serious flavor served on burgers, cozied up with eggs or straight up as the main event.
And perhaps bacon lovers will love all the products enough to invest in the company. Shares of The Baconer will be sold through the crowdfunding online investment site www.startengine.com.
Keep reading Gourmet News for updates on The Baconer and many other specialty food companies. Subscribe online at www.gourmetnews.com.
Southern Glazer’s Matches Employee Donations for Ukraine Relief
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will match 100 percent of all employee donations made to three charitable organizations supporting Ukraine relief during the next 90 days.
Southern Glazer’s has chosen to support World Central Kitchen, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere through its matching campaign for Ukraine relief. Employees are able to contribute through the company’s internal giving platform, VolunCheers Online, in order to be eligible for the donation match.
“Southern Glazer’s stands in support of the Ukrainian people,” said CEO Wayne E. Chaplin. “We are deeply saddened by the crisis and our hearts are with those who have been impacted by this terrible situation. Our family values represent a spirit of inclusiveness and giving back that is part of our cultural DNA, which is why we’ve chosen to support three organizations that have stepped in to provide much-needed aid. Our employees never hesitate to lend a helping hand in times of crisis, and we are happy to amplify their generosity through this campaign.”
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California Megadrought to Hit Wine Industry Hard
2021 presented an extraordinary level of soil water deficit and irrigation that could sometimes be ineffective due to the severity of the California megadrought, according to a new report on two =counties, Sonoma and Napa, conducted by Agrology.
“2021 data shows that dry farmed and irrigated vineyards managed to narrowly avoid destructive levels of water stress and those levels challenged even hearty dry-farmed vineyards,” said Adam Koeppel, co-F\founder and CEO. “With 2022 predicted to be the driest in 1,200 years, it’s imperative that growers be judicious in their use of irrigation water. Predictive Agriculture technology will help you optimize your water usage down to the drop.”
Agrology reported that up until harvest, soil moisture and water deficit impacts from the drought appeared significant across Napa and Sonoma. Soil Water Potential extremes of nearly -3,000 kPa were recorded at irrigated vineyards, and more than -5,000 kPa at dry farmed vineyards. For reference, the University of California recommends initiating irrigation at midday leaf water potential of 1,000-1,500 kPa, corresponding to pre-dawn soil water potential of 1,800-2,300 ko. This indicates that irrigation could not keep up with the drought. In addition, dry farming was challenged with a lack of micro nutrient delivery, as nutrients delivered via drip irrigation systems did not have enough water to reach deep root zones.
“Unfortunately growers now have to contend with the constant threats of a changing climate,” added Koeppel. “It’s imperative that growers can track and understand all important elements in realtime–from water to soil to smoke. We built Agrology to do just that. One system and one app to give growers a view into what’s happening in that moment and the near future.”
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