WESTMINSTER, Colo. – The president of Perdue Premium Meat Company (PPMC) announced today the appointment of retail veteran, Luke LaPerriere, as vice president of Retail Innovations. LaPerriere will support the company’s Niman Ranch, Coleman Natural and Panorama Grassfed Beef brands through outreach, merchandising, consumer acquisition and case ready programs to reach a larger nationwide audience looking to better understand their progressive meat choices.

Luke LaPerriere will support Perdue Premium Meat brands and grow their legacy as leaders in the market.LaPerriere will enforce the reputation of Perdue Premium’s US raised, humane and sustainable pork, beef and lamb. The former executive of Harris Teeter/Kroger, Stop and Shop/Ahold and Shaw’s Supermarket brings over 40 years of experience in retail, grocery, operations and procurement.

LaPerriere’s new role comes at a time when demand for premium meats are at an all-time high. North American Meat Institute’s (NAMI) "Power of Meat 2019" indicated that 52 percent of consumers want more all-natural products free from antibiotics and added hormones, humanely raised, sustainable, all-natural meats.

“With innovative and successful leaders like Luke, we stay true to consumer demand and expand our mission-driven support of domestic family farmers and ranchers, their land and the humane treatment of animals. Luke brings a spirit of developing collaborative working relationships between meat brands and outstanding retail partners,” said Jeff Tripician, president of Perdue Premium Meat Company. “Luke has led some of the most progressive grocery store meat departments in the country. As we continue to grow our ability to make positive change in the industry, we need Luke’s help to translate this successfully to other leading grocers that want to attract and retain a superior, long term consumer who demands products that fit their lifestyle today.”

“I have admired Perdue Premium Meats and its family of trusted brands for many years and I am excited to join such a high quality, innovative company that truly cares about animal welfare and US ranch and farm families. This is exactly what the current consumer and future generations are demanding,” said LaPerriere. “My first procurement position was on the poultry desk in the early 90s and I quickly saw firsthand that the Perdue companies have always stood for the upmost quality. I look forward to utilizing my combined experiences in Retail Operations, Supply Chain, Perishable Procurement and Planning to help grow the premium meat brands with progressive grocers across the country. My goal is to help transform the meat case with superior product that today’s consumers want to buy but have difficulty finding.”

LaPerriere will also assist Perdue Farms with new opportunities and relationships with mainstream grocers.

“Bottom line, the addition of Luke to our senior management t team makes us a better company and a better partner with our Grocers,” Tripician added.