Are you a fan of Lowrey’s beef jerky? If so, you may be wondering what happened to this beloved snack.
While the brand is still around, there have been some changes in the world of meat snacks that have impacted Lowrey’s. From the closure of a famous meat snack manufacturer to recalls and fines, there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to the world of beef jerky.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s been happening with Lowrey’s beef jerky and what it means for fans of this tasty snack. So grab a bag of your favorite flavor and let’s dive in!
What Happened To Lowrey’s Beef Jerky?
Lowrey’s beef jerky is still available for purchase, but the brand has faced some challenges in recent years. One of the most notable events was the closure of a well-known meat snack manufacturer in Seattle. The original Oberto shop, which had been around since 1953, closed its doors to make way for a nearby school. While Oberto’s retail sales and manufacturing operations in other locations continue, the closure of the iconic Rainier Avenue facility has left a mark on the world of meat snacks.
In addition to the closure of the Oberto shop, Lowrey’s beef jerky has also been impacted by recalls and fines. In August 2020, Oberto (which owns the Lowrey’s brand) recalled a smoked sausage product due to misbranding and an undisclosed allergy. And in January 2020, Oberto was fined by the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to disclose the storage of hazardous chemicals at its Kent business in a timely manner.
While these events may be concerning for fans of Lowrey’s beef jerky, it’s important to note that the brand is still producing its signature snack. And with a variety of flavors available (including original, teriyaki, and peppered), there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The History Of Lowrey’s Beef Jerky
Lowrey’s beef jerky is an old brand that has been around for many years. Its origins can be traced back to the Oberto Sausage Company, which was founded in Seattle, Washington in 1918 by Constantino Oberto. The company started out as a small salami and sausage shop on South King Street, relying on traditional family recipes.
After Constantino’s death in 1943, his son Art Oberto took over the company at the young age of 16. With the country in the midst of war and meat rationing, Art had to get creative to keep the business afloat. He opened the factory each morning before heading off to school and then made the rounds after class, selling the company’s sausage, salami, and coppacola to anyone who would buy.
Art and his wife Dorothy came up with the idea for a new product for Oberto: beef jerky. Soon, beef jerky became the company’s biggest seller and remains so even today. Oberto has since become a national brand that is still locally loved. Its product line includes other familiar brands like Lowrey’s Meat Snacks, Pacific Gold Meat Snacks, and Smokecraft.
Lowrey’s beef jerky has changed ownership several times over the years and is now owned by Oberto Brands. The company operates from Kent, Washington and started business in 1918. Today, Oberto Brands is among the world leaders in sales for meat snacks, with over 400 different snacks available.
Despite some recent challenges faced by the brand, including recalls and fines, Lowrey’s beef jerky continues to be a popular snack choice for people around the world. With its extra tender texture and bold flavor options, it’s a portable snack that families can enjoy on-the-go or as an everyday treat.
The Impact Of The Closure Of A Famous Meat Snack Manufacturer
The closure of the iconic Oberto shop in Seattle has had a significant impact on the world of meat snacks, including Lowrey’s beef jerky. The shop had been around since 1953 and was a well-known manufacturer of beef jerky and other meat snacks. Its closure was due to the construction of a nearby school, leaving a void in the industry.
Oberto Brands, which owns Lowrey’s beef jerky, continues to operate its manufacturing and retail sales in other locations. However, the closure of the Oberto shop has left a mark on the industry, as it was a significant player in the meat snack market.
The closure of the Oberto shop is just one example of how the meat snack industry is constantly evolving. As consumer preferences change and new products enter the market, manufacturers must adapt to stay relevant. While the loss of a famous manufacturer like Oberto is certainly felt, it also presents an opportunity for new players to enter the market and for existing manufacturers to innovate and improve their products.
Despite these challenges, Lowrey’s beef jerky remains a popular and beloved snack. With its tender texture and bold flavor, it’s a portable snack that can be enjoyed by the whole family. And with new flavors and varieties being introduced regularly, there’s always something new to try.
Recalls And Fines: What Went Wrong For Lowrey’s Beef Jerky
Lowrey’s beef jerky has faced several recalls and fines in recent years, which has caused concern for consumers. In 2020, Oberto (the parent company of Lowrey’s) was forced to recall a smoked sausage product due to misbranding and an undisclosed allergy. This incident raised questions about the company’s quality control and labeling practices.
In addition, Oberto was fined by the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to disclose the storage of hazardous chemicals at its Kent business in a timely manner. This violation of environmental regulations could have serious consequences for the health and safety of employees and the surrounding community.
These events highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in the food industry, especially when it comes to labeling and environmental regulations. Consumers have a right to know what ingredients are in their food and how it is produced, and companies have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe and comply with all relevant regulations.
Despite these challenges, Lowrey’s beef jerky is still available for purchase and remains a popular snack option. The brand has a loyal following and continues to innovate with new flavors and products. However, it will be important for Oberto to address these issues and regain consumer trust in order to maintain its position in the highly competitive meat snack market.
Lowrey’s Beef Jerky Today: What You Need To Know
If you’re a fan of Lowrey’s beef jerky, there are a few things you should know about the brand today. Firstly, the jerky is still available for purchase, despite some challenges faced by the parent company Oberto Brands. While the closure of the iconic Oberto shop in Seattle was a blow to the world of meat snacks, Oberto’s retail sales and manufacturing operations in other locations continue.
It’s also worth noting that Lowrey’s beef jerky has been impacted by recalls and fines in recent years. However, these incidents are not unique to Lowrey’s and are not indicative of a larger problem with the brand. In fact, many food manufacturers have faced recalls and fines due to misbranding or other issues.
When it comes to the jerky itself, Lowrey’s still offers a variety of flavors to choose from. Whether you prefer the classic original flavor or something with a little more kick like peppered, there’s a flavor for everyone. It’s important to note that depending on the style of beef jerky (moist versus dry), the jerky will either last up to three days once opened without refrigeration or indefinitely if it is a drier style jerky.
Alternatives To Lowrey’s Beef Jerky: Other Meat Snacks To Try
If you’re looking to switch up your meat snack game, there are plenty of alternatives to Lowrey’s beef jerky on the market. Here are a few options to consider:
1. The New Primal’s Spicy Beef Meat Stick: This meat stick is made from 100% grass-fed beef and contains no added hormones or antibiotics. It’s also gluten-free and contains just 270 milligrams of sodium per stick.
2. Glenwood Beef Jerky: This beef jerky is minimally processed and made with well-sourced meat. It contains no added sugars and is available in a variety of flavors, including original, teriyaki, and hot.
3. Epic Provisions Meat Bars: These bars are made from high-quality meat (including beef, bison, and turkey) and contain no added sugars or preservatives. They’re also gluten-free and paleo-friendly.
4. Chomps Grass-Fed Beef Sticks: These grass-fed beef sticks are free from artificial ingredients and preservatives. They’re also gluten-free and contain just 100 calories per stick.
5. Vermont Smoke & Cure Meat Sticks: These meat sticks are made with humanely raised meats and contain no antibiotics or added hormones. They’re also gluten-free and available in a variety of flavors, including beef, pork, and turkey.
By trying out some of these alternatives, you can expand your meat snack horizons while still enjoying a delicious and satisfying snack.
