Smithfield Foods, a major US hog processor, today announced the appointment of Richard T. Goodman as president of a newly-formed unit, Smithfield Deli Group.
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Goodman joins Smithfield Foods from the ASE Deli Company of ConAgra Foods, where he was executive VP and GM.
The new Smithfield Deli Group will be dedicated solely to marketing to the retail deli trade, including new product development to broaden the deli product line and meet changing consumer needs. Goodman will work with Smithfield’s independent operating companies to leverage the synergies of their brands and deli operations. He will be responsible for increasing services to existing customers and developing new strategic opportunities.
C. Larry Pope, Smithfield Foods president and COO, commented: “The formation of Smithfield Deli Group under the leadership of Goodman will benefit our customers by providing access to one group within the Smithfield family that can respond to their needs and demands.
“This also is another important step in our strategy to focus on the value-added segment of the business. Deli meat margins are the highest in our industry and the opportunities in this market are significant.”
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By GlobalDataGoodman added: “A compelling attraction of Smithfield Foods is its lineup of powerful, quality brands produced from the best raw materials in the industry that will provide the foundation for establishing a national branded deli meat business.
“A priority will be to build on the equity of these brands while adding new products and concepts to the supermarket deli.”
Smithfield’s deli brands include Esskay, Gwaltney, John Morrell, Krakus, Kretschmar, Patrick Cudahy, Schneiders and Smithfield. Smithfield Deli Group will focus on developing new products, while providing the traditional deli products, including dry sausage (hard salami, pepperoni, Genoa salami), bologna, premium hams, luncheon loaves, sausage, turkey breast, bacon, pre- cooked ribs, pastrami, corned beef and roast beef, and a complete line of fully-cooked convenient meal solutions.
