INDEPENDENCE, Iowa, Feb. 5, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an effort to meet consumer demand for American-made, natural pet treats, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) is launching a line of dog chews, company officials announced today.
Tyson Pet Products, Inc. is introducing 100% natural True Chews™ dog treats, which are being made at a recently-reopened plant in Independence, Iowa. The company is offering a variety of different chews such as ham bone, chicken fillet, pork ear and beef bully stick.
"The chews' segment of the U.S. pet treat market is a $1.2 billion business growing at a rate of 8 percent a year and we believe there is significant untapped opportunity," said Jeff Webster, group vice president of Renewable Products for Tyson Foods. "Our research has confirmed that dog owners prefer the benefits 'True Chews' treats provide their dogs. Our products are 100% natural and are proudly made in America's heartland using a unique approach based on our in-depth protein knowledge."
The chicken, beef and pork used in 'True Chews' treats are sourced from various Tyson locations in the U.S. and brought to Independence. The raw materials are slow roasted and have a natural hickory aroma. The finished products are protein-rich and rawhide-free, with no fillers.
While Tyson has historically been involved in supplying raw materials for pet foods, the Independence plant is the first company facility involved in the production of finished, retail-ready pet treats.
'True Chews' products are being distributed nationally to pet specialty stores and other retail outlets. Merchandising assistance, such as product display shelving, aisle banners and other point of sale material, is available to retailers. The company has also developed the website www.truechews.com, which will be active early in March to help communicate product and promotional information to retailers and consumers.
Tyson's Independence plant reopened on January 18, 2010, after being closed since early 2006. The size of the workforce is currently expected to grow to more than 100 within the next couple of years.
Tyson Pet Products is part of Tyson's Renewable Products Division, which is focused on increasing the value of meat and poultry by-products in such areas as renewable energy, pet products, nutraceuticals and biotechnology.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 90 countries. The company has approximately 117,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
The Tyson Foods, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3224
Forward Looking Statements
This release includes forward-looking statements as well as historical information. These forward-looking statements may include statements relating to market growth and expectations of management of future performance relating to the products described therein. Historical performance is not an indication of, nor does it guarantee, future results. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: consumer demand and perceptions; availability and cost of raw materials, equipment, and utilities; changes in laws or regulations; and the company's ability to compete in products and prices in a competitive industry.