Snack Lovers to Celebrate Inaugural National Jerky Day

MINONG, Wis. -- Tomorrow marks an important day in convenience store retailing: the inaugural National Jerky Day. The day is meant to celebrate the rich history, immense popularity and nutritional benefits of dried meat snacks.

Meat snacks, including jerky, is the fourth highest-grossing sector within the overall salty snack universe, outselling other popular salty snacks, including popcorn and pretzels, according to Jack Link's Beef Jerky.

"In many ways, jerky is an ideal snack. Naturally packed with protein, jerky will keep you satiated between meals; but since it's low in fat, calories and carbs, it won't sabotage a healthy diet," said Jeff LeFever, director of marketing for Jack Link's Beef Jerky. "Plus, jerky tastes great. There's no snack more deserving of its own special day."

To celebrate, Jack Link's Beef Jerky has teamed up with mosaic artist Jason Mecier to create a one-of-a-kind tribute to jerky. Mecier's unique artwork will go live on the brand's Facebook page, Facebook.com/JackLisBeefJerky, on June 12. Additionally, the tribute will be on display at the Rotunda at Mall of America, in Bloomington, Minn., on National Jerky Day.

"I grew up snacking on beef jerky. So, when I heard about National Jerky Day, I jumped at the chance to pay homage to a legendary snack," said Mecier, whose previous creations include a portrait of Jerry Seinfeld crafted with the comedian's favorite sugary breakfast cereals.

Leading up to National Jerky Day, Jack Link's will unveil a brand new Snackin' With Sasquatch advertising campaign in honor of the new snacking holiday. The new TV spots find Sasquatch out of his natural surroundings, but still interacting with jerky fans as they snack throughout the day, including in the carpool lane and conference room. Additionally, Jack Link's will launch the latest in its now iconic Messin' With Sasquatch campaign, which has infiltrated pop culture and been viewed more than 16.5 million times online. Airing nationally, the campaign again finds an unsuspecting Sasquatch subject to classic jokes and pranks, according to a company release.