LISLE, Ill. – Eckrich has expanded availability of its five varieties of Bacon Lovers Deli Meats, a new deli meat line made with real bacon.

Eckrich, which is part of Smithfield Foods’ John Morrell Group, announced the product is now available at retail outlets across the US. The company has launched a national advertising campaign to support the expansion. The Bacon Lovers varieties are: Bacon Covered Ham, Bacon Ranch Chicken Breast, Bacon Covered Club, Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast with Bacon and Peppered Bacon Covered Roast Beef. Bacon Lovers Deli Meats were first introduced in May 2012.

"We have seen and heard a lot of interest in the Bacon Lovers line since our initial launch," said Charles Gitkin, vice president of marketing, R&D and innovation for John Morrell. "It is because of this that we're investing in a national campaign to bring awareness of these great products to a broader group of consumers, inviting them to the deli to try Eckrich Bacon Lovers Deli Meats."

Eckrich plans to support the expansion with "The Best Idea Ever" advertising campaign. The campaign will run on television and as radio commercials through 10 months in 2013, including spots on the show United States of Bacon airing on Destination America. The campaign also includes in-store point of sale materials and digital spots on Facebook and key recipe, food and entertainment websites.

"Bacon Lovers Deli Meats is a unique and fun product line in the deli category," said Elizabeth Di John, brand manager, Eckrich Deli Meats. "People continually express their enthusiasm and excitement for bacon and for new ways to enjoy it. The campaign really captures this passion with what we think is the best idea ever, placing real bacon within the deli meats they already love."