DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND – New Zealand’s Silver Fern Farms is expanding its red meat export distribution to include venison at more than 500 Albertsons Cos. Inc.-owned supermarket locations in the Midwest, including Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Star Market and Acme Markets.

The stores now offer 1-lb packages of ground venison from Silver Fern Farms, which claims to be the world’s top supplier of farm-raised, grass-fed venison. According to the company, New Zealand is home to half of the world’s farmed deer, numbering more than 1 million head raised on 2,000 farms. 

“Silver Fern Farms’ venison is uniquely imbued with the beautiful and lush New Zealand landscapes in which the animals are raised, leading to velvety, tender and delicately flavored meat which is redefining consumer expectations of venison globally,” said Matt Luxton, USA country manager.

Silver Fern operates 14 processing plants in New Zealand to supply beef, lamb and venison products to its export partners. It claims venison offers customers a healthy and versatile red-meat option while offering a unique taste. It also addresses the trend of more people preparing and eating meals at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That’s why we are excited to share our premium quality pasture-raised venison with US customers looking for a delicious alternative to spice up their meal repertoire,” Luxton said.

The company’s line of venison products, as well as its beef and lamb offerings, are also available for home delivery via its website, us.silverfernfarms.com.