A line of bacon featuring a quick cook time, less grease and a cleaner label than many on the market was a punch line HarCal Enterprises’ Steve Harvey couldn’t ignore. The comedian and longtime host of the TV’s Family Feud game show developed what is billed as a line of “wholesome and hearty smoked meats headlined by a truly unique roasted bacon,” marketed as Easy Bacon by Harvey Foods.
With a two-minute cook time, the thick-cut bacon is made with a simple cure formulation featuring salt and hickory smoke. Monogram Foods announced the product will be available at Atlanta area retailers including Publix, Kroger and Walmart on Oct. 1, followed by a national rollout in early 2016.
“In 2011, we were the first to introduce bacon jerky to the consumer marketplace and today we continue Monogram’s tradition of seeking new and innovative product lines through the introduction of the faster cooking, less mess Easy Bacon product,” said Wes Jackson, Monogram foods president and co-founder. Based on the convenience attributes of the product, Jackson said it is “certain to be a game changer in the world of bacon products.”
Monogram Foods, founded in 2004, is a manufacturer of a diverse line of value-added meat products, including meat snacks, corn dogs, pre-cooked bacon, smoked sausage and pet treats from facilities in Virginia, Texas, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa.
The partnership with Harvey Foods comes just months after Monogram made headlines with the acquisition of Plover, Wis.-based Golden County Foods for $37.2 million and the announcement of plans of a $7.2 million expansion at its plant in Martinville, Va.
