Two Local Companies Join Forces to Produce One Great Product

Farmland Partners With Boulevard Brewery Once Again With Two New Additions to Its Bratwurst Line


KANSAS CITY, MO--(Marketwired - May 21, 2014) - As an extension of Farmland's successful partnership with Boulevard Brewery, the brand today announced the expansion of its popular Boulevard Brats product line to include two new seasonal flavors in 2014. The fresh, uncooked brats are made of USDA-inspected premium pork mixed with seasonings and the popular Boulevard beer. The first new seasonal bratwurst, featuring Boulevard's KC Pils, is now available for a limited time in grocery stores throughout Kansas City and the Midwest, while the second new flavor, featuring Bob's '47 Oktoberfest, will be available throughout the fall.

"We're excited to announce the expansion of the Boulevard Brats line and our continued partnership with fellow Kansas City-based Boulevard Brewery," said Erin Turley, Senior Director of Brand Management for Farmland. "Following the popularity of the initial Boulevard Brats offerings, we wanted to provide consumers with additional seasonal flavors to enjoy. Combining some of Boulevard's most popular beer flavors and Farmland's high-quality pork, we were able to produce a product we think fans of both brands will love."

Farmland embarked on its partnership with Boulevard Brewery in 2013 with the launch of two Boulevard Brats flavors featuring Boulevard's Pale Ale and Unfiltered Wheat. The venture proved successful for the Kansas City-based companies, who were eager to introduce additional products into the line.

"Farmland is a staple in the Kansas City community and we're excited to strengthen our relationship with them through these new offerings," said Jeremy Ragonese, Boulevard's director of marketing. "Beer and bratwursts are a natural pairing for many occasions, and these new varieties highlight that partnership perfectly. The new flavors are exceptional and we look forward to sharing them with fans throughout the Midwest."

The spring release of the KC Pils-flavored bratwursts coincides with both brands' efforts to help fight hunger in the area. Farmland will donate a portion of proceeds from the KC Pils bratwursts this summer to Harvesters Food Bank, while Boulevard will continue donating a portion of KC Pils sales to local organizations through its 10% for KC program.

To mirror the timing of Boulevard's popular seasonal offerings, Bob's '47 Oktoberfest-flavored bratwursts will be released during the fall. The malty, well-balanced notes of the beer pair well with the fresh pork flavor of the bratwurst -- leading to a truly unique way for consumers to celebrate the season.

For more information about the new Farmland Boulevard Brats flavors or the program, please visit www.FarmlandFoods.com or www.Facebook.com/FarmlandFoods.

About Farmland
At Farmland, we are passionate about pork. We have been since 1959, when we first started working side-by-side with American farm families to offer the best quality pork cuts. More than 50 years later, our unsurpassed passion and pride are stronger than ever, serving retail and foodservice customers across the United States and in 25 countries on five continents. Our natural, fresh pork products -- bacon, chops, loins, ribs, sausage and ham -- are tender, flavorful and made with the highest quality ingredients. Headquartered in Kansas City, MO, Farmland is a brand of Smithfield Farmland, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods. To learn more about Farmland's passion for pork, please visit www.FarmlandFoods.com and www.Facebook.com/FarmlandFoods.

About Smithfield Farmland
In August 2013, two Smithfield Foods subsidiaries, The Smithfield Packing Company and Farmland Foods, merged to form Smithfield Farmland. This union brought together two leading pork suppliers, both known for their high-quality retail and foodservice offerings in the United States and abroad across a variety of fresh and packaged categories, with products including smoked meats, hams, bacon, sausage, ribs, loins, chops, hot dogs, bologna, and lunchmeat. In addition to the Smithfield and Farmland brands, the company's Gwaltney and Cook's products are among the leaders in their respective markets. For more information, visit www.Smithfield.com and www.FarmlandFoods.com.

About Boulevard Brewery
Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to become one of the largest specialty brewers in the Midwest, dedicated to the craft of producing fresh, flavorful beers using traditional ingredients and the best of both old and new brewing techniques. Earlier this year Boulevard became part of the Duvel Moortgat family of breweries. For more information, visit www.boulevard.com, boulevard.com/facebook, or follow us on Twitter at boulevard.com/twitter.