The Defense Commissary Agency has awarded its lamb and veal business across the country to Davis-based Superior Farms, North America’s largest processor and marketer of lamb. More than 250 commissaries will now be on the program.

Superior Farms, which has corporate headquarters in Davis, works with ranchers across the country and has six manufacturing and distribution centers in the United States.

The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries that provide groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families at significant savings. In years past, the agency maintained multiple suppliers across the country. Management decided that, to be most effective and provide the freshest supply chain, the agency needed the program to be under one national umbrella, a news release said.

“We’re thrilled to supply American products to American troops and retired military from coast to coast,” said Craig Powell, vice president of sales and marketing for Superior Farms, in the news release. “It’s the highest quality product available to military patrons and at the same time it’s a great boost to our dedicated American family ranchers.”

Global Military Marketing is the actual contract holder to DeCA and will provide the return on assets contract and the sales network needed to service the account. With more than 75 sales representatives and 490 merchandisers worldwide, the company will support Superior Farms’ mission “to lead the American lamb industry through innovation, quality and customer focus.”

DeCA allows approved patrons to purchase goods at cost, plus a 5 percent surcharge. The agency believes that providing these savings help support military families and recruit and retain the best and the brightest military personnel, the news release said.

Superior Farms also recently announced its expanded partnership with Colorado Box Beef Company Co., a Florida-based distributor of protein and food products for the Southern U.S. market. Customers in Florida and the south will now receive the service of a regional distributor coupled with the resources of the largest lamb company in North America.

In Florida and the South, CBBC will handle all aspects of customer service, sales and delivery of the Superior Farms brand of lamb and veal. The location is ideal for serving Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, the Carolinas, the Caribbean and other international markets, a news release said.

“The transfer of distribution into the hands of CBBC will enable Superior Farms to benefit from continued success on the East Coast,” said Ed Jenks, president and CEO of Superior Farms, in the news release. “Through our state-of-the-art processing facilities and nationwide distribution network, customers in Florida and the South will benefit from the freshest product available on the market, combined with the hands-on service of regional representation and distribution.”

Additionally, Superior Farms announced at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago its partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia to market Australian lamb burgers and sliders. This is the first time Australian lamb burgers will be commercially produced and readily available for the food service industry in the U.S.

“We are excited about this partnership and the ability to offer Australian lamb burgers and sliders to our food service customers,” said Tina Roberts, assistant vice president marketing and culinary business development for Superior Farms, in a news release. “These delicious burgers offer a bold taste along with convenience.”

Offering a new twist to the classic American burger, Australian lamb burgers and sliders are “an easy and convenient menu option and a great starting point for those who have never tried lamb,” the company said.

“Today’s foodie is interested in new items that will add variety to their Rolodex,” Roberts added. “This is an easy way for chefs to try lamb and introduce it to customers at their restaurants.”

According to research from MLA, lamb regularly appears as an entrée option at successful restaurants and younger generations are interested in trying lamb as they seek unique and flavorful dishes.

For more information on Australian lamb burgers and for lamb burger recipe inspiration, visit www.superiorfarms.com/lamb-burgers.

Superior Farms, founded in 1963, provides products and services to customers throughout the United States, Canada and more than 10 other countries. The company has approximately 400 employee-owners at its nationwide network of facilities and offices.

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