SMITHFIELD, Va. -- Smithfield Specialty Foods Group, a leading provider of more than 200 specialty food items such as premium hams, peanuts and gourmet side dishes, has signed a two-year licensing agreement with A&E for a line of snacks from "Duck Dynasty," the hit TV show that follows the Robertson family and their duck-call business, to produce a line of nut-based snacks that will launch in early September.
The new co-branded product line will initially offer five varieties of flavored peanuts: Lightly Salted, Salt & Pepper, Cajun, Habañero and Jalapeño.
The snacks became available nationwide through specialty-food providers, retail grocers, and convenience stores, as well as online, beginning Sept. 2.
"Smithfield and A&E's Duck Dynasty share similar fans, and this is a great opportunity to partner together and provide them with a unique product," said Pete Booker, vice president and general manager of the Smithfield Specialty Foods Group. "A&E's 'Duck Dynasty' has such a strong and loyal audience, and we're excited for the opportunity to provide these passionate fans with products we're just as passionate about."
"We are excited to partner with Smithfield on this new line of 'Duck Dynasty' snack products," said Kate Winn, senior vice president of consumer products for A+E Networks. "A+E Networks makes great efforts to launch brand extensions for 'Duck Dynasty' that make great sense for everyone. In the case of Smithfield, their consumers are passionate 'Duck' fans so we know that their 'Duck' products will really resonate."
Smithfield Marketplace and A&E's "Duck Dynasty" plan to expand the product line in time for the holidays with co-branded pork rinds, nut confections, peanut brittle and various snack-mix offerings.
A&E's North American licensing agency, Brandgenuity, brokered the agreement between A&E and Smithfield.
Based in Smithfield, Va., the Smithfield Specialty Foods Group is provides more than 200 specialty food items such as premium hams, peanuts and gourmet side dishes. Established in 2001 as the gourmet foods division of Smithfield Foods, the Smithfield Specialty Foods Group operates under the brands of Peanut Shop of Williamsburg, Smithfield Marketplace and The Southern Table.
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