Gourmet News

Fitzgerald Steps Down as U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action CEO

Published April 10, 2023

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action has announced the organization and CEO Erin Fitzgerald have agreed to an amicable parting of ways to pursue new opportunities.

“The USFRA Board of Directors appreciates the contributions Erin made to USFRA during her nearly 5-year tenure as CEO,” said USFRA Board Chair Marilyn Hershey, Dairy Management Inc. chair. Comprised of 30+ organizations representing more than 700,000 farmers and ranchers across the country, as well as leading brands from the agritech and finance value chain, who are working to cultivate a shared vision for the future of U.S. sustainable food systems and a belief that bold action is needed.

USFRA drives a broad range of projects that advance meaningful action and results in the co-creation of solutions for sustainable food production, climate change, and economic sustainability. USFRA is serving as the secretariat for a Decade of Ag, a shared vision for the food and agriculture sector endorsed by more than 160 leaders and organizations.

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Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese’s Chocolate Mascarpone Wins Best in Class

Published April 10, 2023

Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese’s Chocolate Mascarpone took home Best in Class accolades in the Flavored Soft Cheese category at the 2023 United States Cheese Championships, with Fresh Mozzarella placing in the Top 3 of the Fresh Mozzarella category.

This year’s contest saw 2,249 entries from 197 producers representing 35 states.

Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese’s Top 5 accolades by class and place are:

Open Class, Flavored Soft Cheeses: Chocolate Mascarpone (first); Marinated Fresh Mozzarella (fourth)
Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh Mozzarella (second, third)

“It’s an honor to see our products recognized on a national stage,” said George Crave, founder of Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese. “We’re proud of our award-winning legacy that spans each of our handcrafted products.”

First-place Chocolate Mascarpone is the perfect way to add an elegant touch to everyday recipes, including desserts, charcuterie boards and fruit trays. Find recipes using the award-winning product on the Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese website and purchase their award-winning cheese today.

The U.S. Cheese Championship has been held biennially since 1981. 2023 marks the 21st edition of the contest, hosted in Green Bay, Wis., by the Wisconsin Cheese Maker’s Association. The contest is open to cheesemakers across the nation and is evaluated by a panel of skilled technical judges. Cheeses are scored by flavor, body and texture, salt, color, finish, packaging and more.

The Crave family farms 2,500 acres of productive land in south-central Wisconsin, growing soybeans, corn and alfalfa to use as nutritious feed for their Holstein cows. From the biodigester to water recovery and recycling, sustainability is top-of-mind on the farm and cheese factory. The Crave Brothers Farm LLC and Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese LLC use 100 percent green power and are carbon-negative businesses.

Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese produces food service and retail sizes of Fresh Mozzarella, Mascarpone, Part-skim Mozzarella, Oaxaca, Farmer’s Rope String Cheese and Fresh Cheddar Cheese Curds.

Crave Brothers will be exhibiting at the 2023 Summer Fancy Food Show at the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin – Wisconsin Cheese Pavilion . For more information, contact Roseanne Crave, sales & marketing manager at roseanne@cravecheese.com or visit cravecheese.com.

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Country Music Star Luke Bryan to Tout Smithfield Foods Brands

Published April 3, 2023

Smithfield Foods‘ portfolio of consumer favorite brands are collaborating with country music superstar and television personality Luke Bryan to help recognize and uncover the good all around us, at the table to beyond.

Starting with the food we eat, the Good Goes On with Luke Bryan platform is setting out to help people discover how to best nurture themselves and be inspired to share the goodness with those around them through mealtimes, social gatherings and special occasions.

The diverse portfolio of brands, including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous and Carando, has provided shoppers with convenient, dependable and delicious meal options for decades. We nourish families and individuals throughout each day, but more importantly, we bring people together to eat, feel, and share good experiences.

“I’m proud to kick off the Good Goes On program because there’s always room for more good in the world,” Bryan said. “I’m a believer in finding the good in every day, having fun and spreading joy. We have a few surprises up our sleeves this year, so be sure to follow us as we continue to find ways you can spread the good in 2023!”

“Our brands are excited to partner with Luke Bryan to help continue our mission of bringing goodness to households through the food we provide,” said Tim Zimmer, chief marketing officer for Smithfield Foods. “Over the years, we’ve enjoyed seeing that even small and simple acts of thoughtfulness can make a difference. This year, we’re proud to join with Luke Bryan to focus on the good around the table and showcase how our brands help nurture the communities we serve across the nation.”

To see what Bryan will be up to next and stay up to date with Good Goes On, check out GoodGoesOn.com.

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