America to Celebrate National Jerky Day on June 12

MINONG, Wis., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Tuesday, June 12, 2012 marks the inaugural National Jerky Day celebrating the rich history, immense popularity and nutritional benefits of dried meat snacks. The fourth highest-grossing sector within the overall salty snack universe, meat snacks — including jerky — outsell other popular salty snacks, including popcorn and pretzels.

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"In many ways, jerky is an ideal snack. Naturally packed with protein, jerky will keep you satiated between meals; but since it's low in fat, calories and carbs, it won't sabotage a healthy diet," said Jeff LeFever, director of marketing for Jack Link's^® Beef Jerky, the No. 1 U.S. meat snack brand. "Plus, jerky tastes great. There's no snack more deserving of its own special day."

Why National Jerky Day matters:

• Jerky has a proud heritage. In the U.S., the practice of drying meat dates back to the Native Americans and earliest European settlers who sought highly portable, satiating foods that required no refrigeration.
• Snacking accounts for more than 25 percent of today's average caloric intake, so selecting the right snack is key. Quality jerky is actually very lean, and naturally high in protein and low in calories, fat and carbohydrates.
• Contrary to popular belief, jerky is not just a "guy snack." Research shows that almost as many women as men snack on jerky.
• While beef jerky may be more commonly known, Jack Link's Jerky today offers more than 100 varieties made from premium cuts of beef, turkey, chicken and pork.

A meaty tribute to jerky

To celebrate, Jack Link's Beef Jerky, the No. 1 U.S. meat snack brand, partnered with renowned mosaic artist Jason Mecier to create a one-of-a-kind tribute to jerky. Mecier's unique artwork will go live on the brand's Facebook page, Facebook.com/JackLinksBeefJerky on June 12. Additionally, the tribute will be on display at the Rotunda at Mall of America, in Bloomington, Minn. on National Jerky Day.

"I grew up snacking on beef jerky. So, when I heard about National Jerky Day, I jumped at the chance to pay homage to a legendary snack," said Mecier whose previous creations include a portrait of Jerry Seinfeld crafted with the comedian's favorite sugary breakfast cereals.

"Jason's work is truly incredible. He uses popular everyday items to create intricate and detailed masterpieces showcasing the best of pop culture," said LeFever. "His vision and 'no rules' philosophy to art greatly complements Jack Link's irreverent brand personality."

Leading up to National Jerky Day, Jack Link's will unveil a brand new Snackin' With Sasquatch advertising campaign in honor of the new snacking holiday. The new TV spots find Sasquatch out of his natural surroundings, but still interacting with jerky fans as they snack throughout the day, including in the carpool lane and conference room. Additionally, Jack Link's will launch the latest in its now iconic Messin' With Sasquatch campaign, which has infiltrated pop culture and been viewed more than 16.5 million times online. Airing nationally, the campaign again finds an unsuspecting Sasquatch subject to classic jokes and pranks.

JACK LINK'S BEEF JERKY – Feed Your Wild Side

Headquartered in Minong, Wis., Jack Link's is the No. 1 U.S. meat snack brand and fastest-growing meat snack manufacturer worldwide. The Jack Link's brand represents a heritage of quality and consumer trust. Well known for its iconic Messin' With Sasquatch advertising campaign, Jack Link's offers more than 100 premium meat snack products at retail outlets in more than 40 countries. Check out JackLinks.com for more information on the brand. 

About Jason Mecier

Mosaic portrait artist Jason Mecier began his life puttering with beans, noodles, yarn, pom poms, felt and other inexpensive craft materials. Today, his portfolio includes unique portraits of Jerry Seinfeld (materials: dry cereal), Condoleeza Rice (materials: rice), Taylor Swift (materials: Good & Plenty candy), Rachael Ray (materials: beans and noodles) and Martha Stewart (materials: veggie platter), among many others. While his artwork may fool the eye, there are no gimmicks, no trick shots, no studio touch ups. His creations are one-of-a-kind handcrafted mosaics that Mecier has created with painstaking care. His portraits have gained international attention and have been featured for many years in national consumer magazines and prestigious galleries. For more information on Jason Mecier, go to JasonMecier.com.

Contacts:
Nancy Knutson
Jack Link's Beef Jerky
(715) 466-2234
[email protected]   

Martine Larson
Carmichael Lynch Spong
(612) 375-8522
[email protected]  

SOURCE Jack Link's Beef Jerky

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