Kretschmar(R) Premium Deli Meats Launches New Country Music Campaign for 2016

LISLE, Ill., Feb. 02, 2016 -- Kretschmar® Premium Deli Meats & Cheeses is known for Legendary Taste.  Building on its commitment to quality and excellence, Kretschmar is adding another chapter to its legend.  The company has enlisted country music star Easton Corbin as a brand ambassador for 2016. Easton will be featured in “Kretschmar Country,” a campaign throughout 2016 that will provide access to a wide variety of country music experiences, including a consumer sweepstakes and appearances on behalf of the brand.  Rising stars Ruthie Collins, Kelleigh Bannen and Natalie Stovall are joining Corbin as brand ambassadors for Kretschmar in 2016.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09753ca6-df29-4c93-9dbb-31e6369062bc

"We're very proud and excited to add Easton, Ruthie, Kelleigh and Natalie to our lineup," said Michael Sargent, Senior Brand Manager, Kretschmar Deli. "This allows Kretschmar to provide our consumer and customers with access to some amazing country music experiences. Easton Corbin and The Kretschmar Country team are a wonderful addition and will certainly complement our plans with energy and enthusiasm."

Easton hit the music scene in 2009 with a #1 single, “A Little More Country Than That” and won several Breakthrough Artist awards. Since then, Corbin has released three hit albums with songs including “Roll With It,” “Lovin’ You is Fun,” and “All Over the Road.” He’s toured with Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton. Corbin has a full schedule in 2016 and is set to tour with Carrie Underwood as well as performing in his own headlining shows.

Curb Recording Artist Ruthie Collins has been pursuing her musical passion since the age of 3, when she began playing piano and violin. After studying at Berklee College of Music, Collins followed her heart to Nashville to pursue her career as a singer and songwriter. The Fredonia, N.Y. native released her debut single "Ramblin' Man" in 2014, which quickly became a part of SiriusXM Highway Find's Hot 45 Countdown.

Kelleigh Bannen is a native of Nashville who officially hit the music scene in 2008 with an independent album. She’s since signed with record label EMI and toured with Luke Bryan, Lee Brice and Little Big Town. Bannen’s first three singles, “Sorry on the Rocks,” “Famous,” and “You Are What You Love” charted on the Billboard country music chart. “Famous” has sold over 100,000 downloads.  

Natalie Stovall and the Drive, who recently released the title track from the upcoming February 23^rd release “Heartbreak,” are no strangers to the stage. Natalie, born and raised in Tennessee, has been performing since the age of 10. With the Drive, she has performed across college campuses, clubs and military bases and has opened for artists such as Dierks Bentley, the Doobie Brothers, Macklemore, Josh Turner, Blake Shelton, Gretchen Wilson, Kendrick Lamar and Justin Moore. In addition to touring with the Drive, Natalie is currently on tour with Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots as a featured member of the band.

All Kretschmar Country artists will be extensively involved with Kretschmar public relations and marketing activity during 2016, which will include song download access on Kreschmar’s website, Kretschmardeli.com/Country, radio remote appearances and local concerts. Kretschmar will kick off a consumer sweepstakes February 1^st, where consumers can enter for a chance to win a legendary country music experience. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting promotion!

For more information about Kretschmar Deli visit www.KretschmarDeli.com, Kretschmardeli.com/Country or www.Facebook.com/KretschmarDeli.  

Kretschmar is a brand of Smithfield Foods.

About Kretschmar

Kretschmar® Premium Deli Meats & Cheeses has meant quality since 1883.  Our hams are made with a unique hardwood smoking process.  Kretschmar poultry and beef are hand-trimmed using the finest cuts.  Our full line of Off-The-Bone deli meats are delicately sliced from the leanest, most tender cuts. And our premium Wisconsin cheeses repeatedly win in competitions world-wide. Try the Legendary Taste of Kretschmar today. For great recipes and more, like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/kretschmardeli or visit our website at www.kretschmardeli.com.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, Nathan's Famous®, Kretschmar®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Carando® and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

Media Contact: 	
Faye Shroff
Breaking Limits for Kretschmar       		       
704-591-4353 (Mobile) 		      
[email protected]