Special jerky for your hog's saddlebags

Harley-Davidson teams with ConAgra on line of meat snacks

Emily Fredrix, Associated Press

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

MILWAUKEE - Harley-Davidson Inc. is selling a new source of fuel, one that goes into mouths instead of gas tanks and comes in flavors like teriyaki and pepper.

The iconic motorcycle maker is joining forces with one of the largest U.S. packaged-foods companies, ConAgra Foods Inc., to sell beef jerky and tap into the growing meat-snack business.

The companies planned to make the announcement Tuesday in Las Vegas at the trade show for the National Association of Convenience Stores.

The product, thick slices of smoked, lean steak, is slated to sell in packs of 3.25 ounces for $5.99 at convenience and grocery stores, Harley-Davidson dealerships and truck stops. Shipments of the three varieties - teriyaki, pepper and original flavor - will begin Jan. 8, ConAgra said.

It's the first time Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson has lent its name and black-and-orange logo to a food product, said Tom Parsons, general manager of general merchandise.

The company has considered making edible products, such as barbecue sauce and spices, in the past, but nothing fit with the brand and its image like jerky, Parsons said. Riders are always looking for food on the go, so the jerky will be billed as "Road Food," he said.

"It's high protein, low fat, good stuff. You put it in your pocket, keep on eating and keep on riding," Parsons said.

Omaha-based ConAgra makes several types of jerky, including Pemmican jerky strips and Slim Jims, one of the best sellers in their category, said Paul Lapadat, head of snack foods for ConAgra.

Sales of meat snacks increased 75 percent from 2004 to last year, when they reached $2.7 billion, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores' 2006 survey.

Harley-Davidson plans to announce third quarter earnings on Thursday.