New uncured pepperoni developed in response to consumer demand for premium, versatile deli meats

AUSTIN , Minn.  , July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- COLUMBUS ® Craft Meats, a leading brand in premium salumi, has launched its first standalone pepperoni deli product: COLUMBUS ® Uncured Pepperoni. A brand rooted in Italian American tradition, the COLUMBUS ® brand recognized an opportunity to bring bold, elevated pepperoni to the deli, crafted for consumers craving premium flavor and versatility.

"The deli pepperoni category has seen significant growth, with $108 million in retail sales and a 5.5% increase year-over-year," said Katie Yan , brand manager for COLUMBUS ® Craft Meats. "Nearly 70% of consumers* are looking for new flavors and sizes in deli pepperoni. This product meets that demand with premium quality and versatility."

COLUMBUS ® Uncured Pepperoni is crafted with whole cuts of hand-trimmed pork and seasoned with cracked fennel and paprika — delivering a bold, spicy and smoky flavor profile. Unlike many pepperoni products on the market, uncured pepperoni is slow-aged and never heat-treated, keeping with the brand's commitment to traditional methods.

With a medium diameter and a slice thickness that balances flavor and texture, this pepperoni is ideal for a variety of uses beyond pizza. It contains no added nitrates or nitrites, except those naturally occurring in celery juice powder and sea salt. It is gluten-free and contains no MSG or trans fats.

"We saw an opportunity to deliver a pepperoni that fits seamlessly into everyday eating occasions, from sandwiches to school lunches, or just to snack on," said Evan Inada , charcuterie director for the COLUMBUS ® Craft Meats brand. "This product is our answer to that demand. It's not just for charcuterie—it's designed for everyday use across multiple eating occasions."

COLUMBUS ® Uncured Pepperoni is available at select retailers nationwide, including Kroger, Albertsons Portland and Mid-Atlantic, Giant Carlisle, Hy-Vee, Save Mart, Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), Associated Food Stores (AFS) and Ralphs. The product is sold in a 4-ounce tray with a suggested retail price of $5.69 .

*Toluna, Sliced Pepperoni Custom Research, September 2024

About COLUMBUS ®  Craft Meats
Founded in 1917 by Italian immigrants in San Francisco , COLUMBUS ® Craft Meats produces premium salumi and deli meats sold in grocery deli departments nationwide. The company's craft meats are made authentically from traditional recipes that bring out the bold, unique flavors of the finest cuts of meat, making the brand a leader in today's market. COLUMBUS ® Craft Meats is a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL). More information can be found at columbuscraftmeats.com .

About Hormel Foods — Inspired People. Inspired Food. ™
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota , is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include PLANTERS ® , SKIPPY ® , SPAM ® , HORMEL ®  NATURAL CHOICE ® , APPLEGATE® , JUSTIN'S ® , WHOLLY ® , HORMEL ® BLACK LABEL ® , COLUMBUS ® , JENNIE-O ® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food. ™ — to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com .

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SOURCE Columbus Craft Meats