DAKOTA DUNES, SD – Tyson Fresh Meats Inc., is introduced its new Open Prairie Natural Pork brand of products on Feb.22 at the Annual Meat Conference in Nashville. The new pork product delivers minimally processed food and contains no artificial ingredients. It also features pigs raised without antibiotics, hormones and gestation-stall free.

“We developed this brand to meet the growing demand for natural pork, while allowing retailers to diversify their product mix and give them a competitive edge,” said Ozlem Worpel, brand manager for Tyson Fresh Meats. “From 2009-2013, the natural pork category increased 164 percent, and our own Consumer Monitor survey conducted in the fall of 2015 told us that the ‘No Antibiotics Ever’ and ’No Added Hormones’ product attributes have continued to increase in importance for consumers when buying meat products.”

The Open Prairie Natural Pork program also has a plan for widespread marketing support to help retailers build their natural pork sales.

“Since more consumers want to know how their foods are produced, we’re very proud to provide them with this all natural, no antibiotics ever option,” said Kent Harrison, vice president of marketing and premium programs for Tyson Fresh Meats. “The independent pig farmers who supply us share our commitment to proper animal handling and, in order to qualify for this program, must also ensure the pigs are fed a 100 percent vegetarian diet during the growing and finishing stages.”