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COLUMBUS® Craft Meats Expands Deli Offerings with Uncured Pepperoni

COLUMBUS® Craft Meats, renowned for its premium salumi selection, has unveiled its inaugural standalone pepperoni offering, COLUMBUS® Uncured Pepperoni. This new deli product has been inspired by the growing consumer demand for top-quality and adaptable deli meats.

The popularity of the deli pepperoni segment has soared, with retail sales reaching $108 million and experiencing a year-over-year increase of 5.5%. According to Katie Yan, the brand manager, nearly 70% of consumers express interest in new flavors and sizes when it comes to deli pepperoni, a gap that this product successfully fills with its superior taste and versatility.

Crafted from whole cuts of hand-trimmed pork, COLUMBUS® Uncured Pepperoni is seasoned with cracked fennel and paprika, creating a bold, spicy, and smoky flavor profile. Unlike many other pepperonis on the market, this uncured variety is slow-aged and never heat-treated, staying true to the brand’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship.

The pepperoni comes in a medium thickness, perfectly balancing flavor with texture, making it suitable for an array of culinary options beyond traditional pizza. It’s free from added nitrates or nitrites, except those that occur naturally from celery juice powder and sea salt. Furthermore, it meets dietary requirements as it contains no gluten, MSG, or trans fats.

Evan Inada, the charcuterie director for COLUMBUS® Craft Meats, elaborated on the launch by stating, “We identified the potential for a pepperoni that would fit seamlessly into various everyday meals—whether for sandwiches, school lunches, or as a convenient snack. This product is our solution to that demand. It's not simply for charcuterie boards; it's designed for regular use across diverse eating occasions.”

COLUMBUS® Uncured Pepperoni is now available at select retailers across the nation, including locations like Kroger, Albertsons, Giant Carlisle, and Hy-Vee. The pepperoni is sold in a 4-ounce tray, priced at a suggested retail price of $5.69.

About COLUMBUS® Craft Meats

Founded in 1917 by Italian immigrants in San Francisco, COLUMBUS® Craft Meats is recognized for producing premium salumi and deli meats distributed in grocery deli departments nationwide. Their authentically crafted meats utilize traditional recipes that highlight the unique flavors of the finest cuts of meat, affirming the brand’s standing as a leader in the current market.

About Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company reporting approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across over 80 countries worldwide. Its diverse portfolio includes beloved brands such as PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, and COLUMBUS®. The company upholds its commitment to corporate responsibility and community service, driven by its mission statement, “Inspired People. Inspired Food.”

For more information on COLUMBUS® or to explore their product offerings, visit columbuscraftmeats.com.