COLUMBUS Craft Meats, a leading brand in premium salumi, has launched its first standalone pepperoni deli product: COLUMBUS Uncured Pepperoni. A brand rooted in Italian American tradition, the COLUMBUS brand recognized an opportunity to bring bold, elevated pepperoni to the deli, crafted for consumers craving premium flavor and versatility.
“The deli pepperoni category has seen significant growth, with $108 million in retail sales and a 5.5% increase year-over-year. Nearly 70% of consumers are looking for new flavors and sizes in deli pepperoni. This product meets that demand with premium quality and versatility.”
– Katie Yan, brand manager for COLUMBUS Craft Meats.
COLUMBUS crafts its Uncured Pepperoni using whole cuts of hand-trimmed pork and seasons it with cracked fennel and paprika—delivering a bold, spicy, and smoky flavor profile. Unlike many pepperoni products on the market, the brand slow-ages the uncured pepperoni and never heat-treats it, staying true to its commitment to traditional methods.
With a medium diameter and a slice thickness that balances flavor and texture, this pepperoni is ideal for a variety of uses beyond pizza. It contains no added nitrates or nitrites, except those naturally occurring in celery juice powder and sea salt. It is gluten-free and contains no MSG or trans fats.
“We saw an opportunity to deliver a pepperoni that fits seamlessly into everyday eating occasions, from sandwiches to school lunches, or just to snack on. This product is our answer to that demand. It’s not just for charcuterie—it’s designed for everyday use across multiple eating occasions.”
– Evan Inada, charcuterie director for the COLUMBUS Craft Meats brand.
COLUMBUS Uncured Pepperoni is available at select retailers nationwide, including Kroger, Albertsons Portland and Mid-Atlantic, Giant Carlisle, Hy-Vee, Save Mart, Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), Associated Food Stores (AFS), and Ralphs. The product is sold in a 4-ounce tray with a suggested retail price of $5.69.
COLUMBUS Craft Meats
Founded in 1917 by Italian immigrants in San Francisco, COLUMBUS Craft Meats produces premium salumi and deli meats sold in grocery deli departments nationwide. The company authentically makes its craft meats from traditional recipes that bring out the bold, unique flavors of the finest cuts of meat, making the brand a leader in today’s market. COLUMBUS Craft Meats is a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation.
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, generates approximately $12 billion in annual revenue by selling its branded food products in more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, JUSTIN’S, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O, and more than 30 other beloved brands. The S\&P 500 Index and the S\&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats include the company as a member, and the U.S. named it one of the best companies to work for. News & World Report, one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, and recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies, and it has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement—Inspired People. Inspired Food.—to bring some of the world’s most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe.