SMITHFIELD, Va., Aug. 12, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. today announced that it is launching a plant-based protein portfolio under the company’s Pure Farmland™ brand. The new line comes in a variety of breakfast patties, meatballs, burger patties, and pre-seasoned protein starters to help consumers grow their plant-based protein options for all meal occasions, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and appetizers.

The brand-new Pure Farmland soy-based line features eight fresh, versatile, juicy, and flavorful products. Proudly crafted in the USA, all items are made with natural flavors, are gluten and dairy free, and serve as a good source of protein. Given that soy is a complete protein, it provides levels of all essential amino acids that many other plant proteins do not provide.

Pure Farmland products cater to those who choose a “flexitarian” eating style, in which they are actively trying to consume less meat in their diets. In the past, consumers have had to compromise on taste when choosing meat alternatives, but, with Pure Farmland, consumers can enjoy plant-based protein that fits easily into their favorite dishes, without sacrificing flavor.

The new Pure Farmland items include:

• Simply Seasoned Plant-Based Burger Patties
• Plant-Based Burger Patties with Dairy Free Cheddar Alternative
• Homestyle Plant-Based Meatballs
• Italian Style Plant-Based Meatballs with Dairy Free Parmesan Alternative
• Savory Original Plant-Based Breakfast Patties
• Maple Plant-Based Breakfast Patties
• Simply Seasoned Plant-Based Protein Starters
• Mild Italian Style Plant-Based Protein Starters

“We’re thrilled to announce the launch of this new product portfolio under our Pure Farmland brand. We’ve been exploring the alternative protein space, and have taken our time to get it right,” said John Pauley, Chief Commercial Officer for Smithfield Foods. “With this launch, we are bringing together our expertise in creating market-leading food products, our organizational commitment to sustainability, and our deep understanding of ‘flexitarian’ consumers, to deliver a broad variety of flavorful plant-based protein choices that consumers want and can afford at a great value.”

Offered in sustainable packaging with trays made from more than 50% recycled material, Pure Farmland has committed to empower local farmers and farms by partnering with the American Farmland Trust. With every package sold, the brand pledges to donate the cost of protecting one square foot of farmland. These donations will help the American Farmland Trust continue to further its mission of not only protecting the nation’s farm and ranch land, but also promoting sound farming practices and supporting farmers.

Pure Farmland plant-based protein products will be available in the fresh, refrigerated sections of grocery retailers nationwide in mid-September. For more information, visit www.Pure-Farmland.com.

About Pure Farmland™
Pure Farmland™ is a maker of high-quality, plant-based protein products, such as breakfast patties, burger patties, meatballs, and pre-seasoned protein starters and serves retail customers. Pure Farmland products are proudly crafted in the USA with soy protein, coconut oil, natural flavors, are gluten and dairy free, and serve as a good source of protein. To learn more about Pure Farmland, please visit www.Pure-Farmland.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Pure Farmland 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, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About American Farmland Trust
American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. Learn more at www.farmland.org.

Contact:
Morgan Calef
HUNTER on behalf of Pure Farmland
(212) 679-6600
mcalef@hunterpr.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/812ae9cf-c782-410a-8d09-1dd049a59885