MINONG, Wis., June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker officially proclaimed today, June 12, 2013, as Jack Link's® Jerky Day throughout Wisconsin to celebrate the company's positive impact on the state. The proclamation coincides with National Jerky Day, which is honored annually on June 12.

Jack Link's was founded more than 25 years ago in the northwoods of Wisconsin. Since its inception, the company has become the leader in the meat snack category and fastest-growing meat snack manufacturer in the world. Today, Jack Link's worldwide headquarters is located in Minong, Wis. and the brand operates production facilities in both Minong and New Glarus, Wis. Employing more than 1,000 people statewide, Jack Link's contributes significantly to the framework of the State of Wisconsin's economy.

Jack Link's Jerky Day and National Jerky Day celebrate the rich history and nutritional benefits of premium quality jerky. The third-largest segment within the overall salty snack universe, meat snacks — including jerky — outsell other popular salty snacks, including popcorn and pretzels.

"I'm happy to officially proclaim Wednesday, June 12, 2013 as Jack Link's Jerky Day throughout the great State of Wisconsin," said Governor Scott Walker. "With their corporate offices and a facility in Minong and a facility in New Glarus, Jack Link's has infused the region with jobs and is fostering economic growth throughout the area. I'm proud to commemorate Jack Link's on this special day."

A Meaty Surprise: Operation Sky Meat

To celebrate National Jerky Day and Jack Link's Jerky Day, the company surprised and delighted thousands of players, fans and spectators at Omaha Champions Village, home of countless amateur baseball tournaments, by gifting Jack Link's Jerky to fans in a "wild," unique snack delivery dubbed "Operation Sky Meat." Omaha Champions Village is located in Bellevue, Neb. near another one of Jack Link's facilities.

To execute Operation Sky Meat, the brand dropped thousands of bags of Jack Link's Jerky from a helicopter, filling the sky with a never-before-seen spectacle of high-flying, protein-packed snacks, and thrilling tournament participants and spectators.

National Jerky Day: Why It Matters

Americans love to snack. In fact, the average American consumes nearly three snacks each day. Jerky is a snacking staple:

Meat snacks are the third highest-grossing sector within the overall salty snack category, outselling other popular salty snacks including popcorn and pretzels. 1

Snacking accounts for more than 25 percent 2 of today's average calorie intake, so selecting the right snack is key. Quality jerky is naturally high in protein and low in calories, fat and carbohydrates.

of today's average calorie intake, so selecting the right snack is key. Quality jerky is naturally high in protein and low in calories, fat and carbohydrates. Contrary to popular belief, jerky is not just a "man's snack." Research shows that almost as many women as men snack on jerky.

While beef jerky is more commonly known, today Jack Link's Beef Jerky offers more than 100 varieties made from premium cuts of beef, turkey, chicken and pork.

Beef Jerky offers more than 100 varieties made from premium cuts of beef, turkey, chicken and pork. Jerky is tender and comes in a variety of flavors and offerings to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

"There's no snack more deserving of its own special day than jerky," said Kevin Papacek, director of marketing, Jack Link's Beef Jerky. "In many ways, it's the ideal snack — naturally packed with protein and perfect to fuel your own Wild Side adventures. We are truly honored to be celebrating Jack Link's Jerky Day and National Jerky Day with the entire State of Wisconsin."

JACK LINK'S BEEF JERKY – Feed Your Wild Side.™

Headquartered in Minong, Wis., Jack Link's is the leader in the meat snack category and fastest-growing meat snack manufacturer worldwide. The Jack Link's brand represents a heritage of quality and consumer trust. Jack Link's offers more than 100 premium meat snack products at retail outlets in more than 40 countries.

1Nielsen, January 2013

2Mintel, January 2012

Contacts:

Kaila Fiske

Jack Link's Beef Jerky

(612) 334-7414

[email protected]

Bob Ringer

Carmichael Lynch Spong

(612) 375-8548

[email protected]

SOURCE Jack Link's Beef Jerky