Two things we’ll bet you didn’t know:
1.) The American meat industry has a Hall of Fame — known, surprisingly, as the Meat Industry Hall of Fame.
2.) Mike Satzow, whose grandfather started Claremont’s North Country Smokehouse and who ran it for many years, has just been named as one of only 7 inductees to the 2018 class.
Here’s what the Hall has to say:
“The Board of Trustees of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame proudly announces seven new members will be inducted into the Hall as the Class of 2018. Approximately 40 industry titans were nominated this year, and the Class of 2018 was elected from those nominees by the Trustees and all the living Members of the Hall. Nominees included industry executives, scientists, innovators and association leaders from all sectors of the livestock, meatpacking and poultry processing industries.
Once again, the Board of Trustees and living Members of the Hall have done well to sort through a crowded field of well-qualified nominations,” said Andy Hanacek, director of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame and editor-in-chief of The National Provisioner magazine. “The Hall welcomes a class representing a wide variety of disciplines and divisions of the meat and poultry industry. All inductees have a staunch record of innovation and advancement behind them, and I personally cannot wait to celebrate their accomplishments at the ceremony in February.”
In case you’re hankering to go, that’ll be Feb. 11, 2019, at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center in Atlanta.
Article Published September, 2018, by DailyUV.com.
North Country Smokehouse: A Company Overview
As one of the America’s few remaining, family-owned smokehouses, North Country’s mission is to hand craft premium, artisanal smoked meats through culinary excellence, exceptional animal care standards, and respect for the land. Located in the heart of New England, our authentic charcuterie features traditional cure recipes, using only the best hand-selected, natural ingredients, and small batch smoking process over embers of local hardwoods.
Available in traditional, all-natural certified humane, and organic varieties, the NCS product line features smoked bacon, sausages, and deli meats, as well as other unique offerings like smoked chicken, duck and Montreal Style Beef. Our recipes are crafted using old world, European techniques, resulting in the distinct flavor we are well-known for today.
Recognized for an innovative approach to flavor, North Country Smokehouse partners with respected Chef’s nationwide, to develop signature recipes that enhance menus with their on-trend approach to dining. Voted America’s Best Bacon by Men’s Journal, New England’s Best Meat by Yankee Magazine, and The Best Bacon in America by Food & Wine, North Country has been noted for balancing taste with time honored tradition and modern food trends.
Available through upscale retailers, discerning distributors, and with custom crafted recipes in noted restaurants, hotels and resorts across the country, North Country has provided customers with better choices at the table for more than 100 years.
North Country Smokehouse set for expansion
North Country Smokehouse, a 4th generation producer of artisanal meats and cheeses since 1912, is set for expansion following the recent acquisition by Canadian company, duBreton. The purchase was the next natural step in a long-time relationship between the two companies who partnered in their pursuit of providing quality meat to consumers for the last 15 years. The purchase resulted in North Country’s expansion, with a new 67,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility in Claremont, NH, complete with leading industry equipment. “The company is using modern machinery to replicate the old-world flavor for which we’re well-known.” says Mike Satzow, former owner of North Country Smokehouse. “We chose to build the new plant in Claremont, NH for several reasons. Our long-time relationship with the local community and the land are very important. We recognize that the quality of the air and water impact our products. We believe keeping the plant in Claremont will ensure our meats maintain the same flavor our customers have grown to expect.” The additional space in the new facility has also allowed North Country Smokehouse to enhance their food safety technology by utilizing the most innovative practices to deliver savory products consumers can trust.
The acquisition could not have come at a better time with trends in non-GMO, certified humane and organic products on the rise. duBreton is owned by a farm family who has made it their mission to raise the industry standard; committed to animal welfare, the company prides itself with raising their animals humanely and with respect. This has certainly been a contributing factor in North Country’s long-time success, with more than 80% of their business coming from their smoked bacon, which has been voted “World’s Best Bacon” by Men’s Journal, as well as having earned various other accolades. “We are among the very few farm to table producers” states Satzow. “We know exactly how the animals are raised and processed. We can truly control the quality of the product throughout the entire lifecycle and it’s a difference you can taste”.
Acquisition Highlights:
- Both companies will continue to operate independently from their respective locations.
- The acquisition is win-win for both companies, and will allow both companies to leverage their assets, spend more time on research and to develop new product offerings.
- North Country will expand their offerings to include all-natural, certified humane and organic products.
- The new facility is being led by a growing team of more than 50 employees.
Announcing All New Certified Humane & Organic Deli Meats
North Country Smokehouse has expanded their award-winning product offering to include All-Natural, Certified Humane, and Organic deli meats in 3 popular flavors, Oven Roasted Turkey, Smoked Maple Ham, and Smoked Black Forest Ham. Eager to meet consumers growing demand for ‘clean-label’ lunch alternatives, the new line of lunchmeats do not contain binders, fillers, carrageenan, nitrates, nitrates, antibiotics, or added hormones. A real win for health-conscious shoppers looking for quality lunch alternatives, without having to compromise flavor.
Product Highlights:
- Hand crafted and artisan smoked using traditional, European style methods
- Pork is humanely raised in deeply bedded pens, with no gestation or farrowing crates, and no animal by-products
- No binders, fillers, carrageenan, nitrates, nitrates, antibiotics, or added hormones
- Organics varieties are non-GMO and are produced with vegetarian fed pork.
- No Artificial flavors, fillers, MSG or liquid smoke.
As one of the leading animal welfare focused producers in North America, the deli offering was a natural next step for North Country Smokehouse, whose mission is to craft artisanal meats through exceptional animal care standards, culinary excellence, and respect for the land. Family-owned, and committed to using locally sourced, quality ingredients, the cold cut line is a true representation of the company’s philosophy; a testament to the time, attention and responsibility that a distinct, quality product requires. The lunchmeats are hand-crafted using traditional, European style techniques. Each piece is individually selected and marinated to enhance the natural flavor of the meat. The turkey and ham are cooked using the French style Sous Vide method to preserves the nutrients, and then the ham is placed in a state-of-the-art German smoker where it rests in a thick cloud of authentic applewood. “The rich, smoky flavor of the ham really sets these products apart.” says North Country’s COO, Aaron Corbett. “The result is an exceptionally well balanced, true to form lunchmeat with a classic Old-World taste. There really isn’t anything quite like it on the market. It’s not just healthy, it’s also delicious.” The packaging vacuum packed and in a handy, resealable pouch, and perfect for on-the-go meals and snacks.
Bacon & Beer Classic
Event Date to happen: April 2019
Enjoy craft beer from well-known local breweries, savor sweet & spicy bacon dishes, play games & win prizes.
Bacon & Brewfest: A Craft Beer & Bacon Extravaganza
Event Date: August 2019
A premier experience focused on the love for all things bacon. Sample craft beer and bacon dishes provided by local restaurants
