WASHINGTON – The North American Meat Institute and the Beef Checkoff teamed up for a new marketing campaign as a part of National Jerky Day on June 12.

The two trade associations spoofed the common jewelry advertisements for women by giving the “gift of jerky" to men. The release of the faux commercial preceded National Jerky Day but also Father’s Day.

The video on EnjoyJerky.com states that jerky is the gift that men “actually want,” instead of neckties or electronics. The website gives people facts and nutritional information regarding jerky along with some brief history behind the meat product.

According to Nielsen, beef jerky sales grew by 7 percent in 2017 over the previous year as consumers seek snacks that taste great, satisfy hunger and deliver protein.

“The explosion of flavor options in the beef jerky category – from chipotle to black cherry barbecue – offers jerky fans an array of enticing choices in a convenient product that deliver the protein they clearly prize,” said Janet Riley, NAMI's senior vice president of public affairs. “Today, beef jerky is as much an indoor food as it is the beloved food of the outdoors, and Jerky Day is a chance to celebrate the many flavor and nutrition options available in today’s robust marketplace.”

The hashtag #NationalJerkyDay is also being used on social media.