HOUSTON – Creta Farms, which is already well established with grocers and delicatessens in Europe, plans to launch its Gourmet Deli Meats in the U.S. June 6 - 8 at the International Dairy, Deli and Bakery Association’s Dairy-Deli-Bake Seminar and Expo in Houston, Texas. The company said it increases the nutritional value of deli cuts by removing animal fat and replacing it with Cretan extra-virgin olive oil (E.V.O.O.).

A full line of gourmet deli meats is offered by Creta Farms, including oven-roasted turkey breast, hickory-smoked turkey breast, honey-roasted turkey breast, rotisserie-style turkey breast, Black Forest ham, honey-roasted ham, hardwood-smoked ham, extra-lean cooked ham, lightly-seasoned roast beef, and oven-roasted chicken breast. It is also developing extra-virgin olive oil-infused hot dogs, sausage and bologna.


According to the company, this proprietary product preparation method is patented in more than 90 countries and is achieved by removing animal fat by hand from top-quality, lean meat and immediately infusing E.V.O.O. The result is a highly-nutritional product that is rich in taste, the company claims.

Diets rich in extra-virgin olive oil have been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, breast and prostate cancer, as well as Alzheimer’s, the company added. This ingredient also helps regulate blood pressure and maintain weight.

“Creta Farms’ line of Gourmet Deli Meats is a category game-changer,” said Chuck Fletcher, president and chief executive officer. “For the first time in decades Americans will have a healthy alternative to the traditional offerings at the deli counter. We’re proud to offer a full line of products that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in flavor.“

The American Heart Association has already certified all of the company’s turkey, ham and roast beef offerings. Creta Farms and its deli-meat varieties are also aligned with the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), which suggests substituting saturated animal fats with olive oil (non-saturated fats) significantly reduces the risk of obesity.

“Deli meat is a lunchtime favorite in homes and schools,” Mr. Fletcher said. “By replacing animal fats with extra-virgin olive oil, we are offering a healthier solution to families around the world and contributing to the international effort to curb the obesity epidemic.”

Creta Farms Gourmet Deli Meats is available nationwide and is currently sold at Price Chopper, Ingles Markets, Farm Fresh, Shop ‘n Save and Henning’s Market locations.