Branded with Success

Through high-quality agricultural products, continued education, commitment to community and sustainable practices, Wisconsin brands have found the recipe for success.

Pursuit of Education

Wisconsin is home to many nationally known brands of meat products but it is the smaller, custom meat processors that give the state its reputation for being a cut above in the specialty meat processing world.

Take Louie’s Finer Meats Inc., in Cumberland. Louie’s has been winning over customers’ taste buds with award-winning specialty sausages and meats since 1970.

The company has won more than 200 awards for its quality meats, but is not resting on its laurels. Two generations of this family-owned operation have recently earned certification from Wisconsin’s Master Meat Crafter program, including Louis K. Muench, one of the owner’s sons.

“Even with our family’s experience and knowledge of the industry, there is always more to learn,” says Muench. “The industry is always changing, especially regulations and guidelines. Plus, you can always find more innovative ways of processing.”

Louie’s Finer Meats, along with 275 other state inspected processors, have the opportunity to pursue further education through the state program.

“Anytime we can help educate our customers on food safety and quality is a benefit to all,” Muench says. The Muench family is always available behind their full-service meat counter answering questions and helping customers find the best cuts of meat.

Commitment to Community

The United Nations declared 2016 as International Year of the Pulse (pulse refers to an edible seed from a pod which includes dry beans, peas and lentils), and that is great news for Wisconsin-based Chippewa Valley Bean.

You may not see the company label on your grocery store shelf but chances are the brand name beans you buy came from Chippewa Valley Bean.

The company sells premium quality kidney beans wholesale all over the United States, Europe, Russia, Central America and Japan.

However, even with its global distribution, the bean company stays true to its humble beginnings and principles with Cindy Brown, daughter of founders Russell and Nancy Doane, leading as president.

“We are between our growers and our buyers,” Brown says, “so we need to do everything possible, whether it involves prices or agronomics, to work with our growers hand-in-hand so they always have a home for their product.”

This philosophy has enabled the Chippewa to build strong relationships with growers, ultimately propelling the company’s worldwide success.

 Local Growers, National Customers

In the heart of cranberry country, Rubi Reds is another on-the-rise Wisconsin brand visible in U.S. wholesale and retail markets with its all-natural, sweetened, dried cranberries and unique line of complementary products like cranberry blossom honey.

In light of its accomplishments and support of the agriculture community, the business received the 2013 Award for Entrepreneurs of the Year from The Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce.

Marcy Berlyn, owner, gives credit to their farmers and customers.

“Our cranberries are grown on local, central Wisconsin marshes and processed in Wisconsin Rapids,” says Berlyn. “More than anything, the community encourages us to continue to grow and this award confirms that our contributions to the local community and cranberry industry are valued and appreciated.”

Leading with Sustainability

Contributing to the community through sustainability is a hallmark of Kettle Brand Potato Chips in Beloit.

Since 1982, Kettle Brand has been delivering all-natural chips from Wisconsin farms to kitchens around the nation and the world.

To develop a well-respected brand, Kettle leads the market with its revolutionary sustainable business practices, including biodiesel, solar and wind power.

The company reports it saves more than 22,000 trees and 450,000 pounds of packaging from landfills annually by reducing packaging by 20 percent. With a green building saving energy, too, Kettle has gained popularity by setting an example for the industry, the state and businesses everywhere.