KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield® is proud to announce that Darren and Sherry Warth of Iowa’s Smokey D’s BBQ took home the Reserve Grand Champion title at the 2018 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue competition this past weekend in Lynchburg, Tenn. In addition to taking home one of the top overall wins, the husband and wife team also placed first in the Pork Ribs category cooking with Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork, receiving a perfect 180 score and besting more than 100 teams. This is the second major win for Iowa’s Smokey D’s BBQ this year, as they also took home the top prize at the 39th American Royal® World Series of Barbecue in September.

“2018 keeps getting better and better – we’re so honored to take home this win at The Jack when competing against the best pitmasters in the world at one of the most prestigious competitions,” said Darren Warth. “To win competitions, you need a great team and great, high-quality meat, and that’s why we consistently cook with Smithfield Fresh Pork. Whether we’re on or off the competition circuit, we can trust that we’re always getting the best quality and freshest product you can find.”

As the official Pork and Ribs sponsor of the 2018 Jack Daniel’s Invitational, Smithfield also congratulates several Championship pitmasters, BBQ Alliance, and Committed Cooks teams on their strong performances, including Brad Leighninger of Gettin’ Basted for placing first in the Pork category and seventh Overall, Tim Scheer of Shake 'n Bake BBQ for placing fourth Overall and ninth in Pork, and Blane Hunter of Porky Butts BBQ for placing ninth Overall.

“Award-winning pitmasters like Darren and Sherry Warth know that quality and consistency are what wins Championships – and they know that Smithfield brings that quality and consistency to every package,” said Emily Detwiler, director of fresh pork marketing for Smithfield Foods. “We thank all of our BBQ Alliance and Committed Cooks teams for continuing to represent us among some of the most prestigious and distinguished events in the sport of barbecue, and look forward to continue serving them in the 2019 competition season!”

For the full list of winners from the 2018 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue competition, visit www.kcbs.us. For more information and to apply for the 2019 Smokin’ With Smithfield Grant and Committed Cooks programs, please visit www.SmokinWithSmithfield.com.

About Smithfield
A leading provider of high-quality pork products, Smithfield was founded in 1936 in Smithfield, Virginia, establishing the town as the “Ham Capital of the World.” From hand-trimmed bacon and slow-smoked holiday hams to marinated tenderloins, Smithfield brings artistry, authenticity and a commitment to heritage, flavor, and handcrafted excellence to everything it produces. With a vast product portfolio including smoked meats, hams, bacon, sausage, ribs, and a wide variety of fresh pork cuts, the company services retail, foodservice, and deli channels across the United States and 30 countries abroad. All of Smithfield’s products meet the highest quality and safety standards in the industry. To learn more about how Flavor Hails from Smithfield, please visit www.Smithfield.com, www.Twitter.com/SmithfieldBrand, and www.Facebook.com/CookingWithSmithfield. Smithfield is a brand of Smithfield Foods.

About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Nathan’s Famous®, Farmland®, Armour®, Farmer John®, Kretschmar®, John Morrell®, Cook’s®, Gwaltney®, Carando®, Margherita®, Curly’s®, Healthy Ones®, Morliny®, Krakus® and Berlinki®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:
Hunter PR for Smithfield
Tiffany Daggett
tdaggett@hunterpr.com
(212) 679-6600