Exclusive Snake River Farms Gold Grade Beef Available for the First Time Direct to Consumers During August

BOISE, ID--(Marketwire - Aug 2, 2012) - Snake River Farms American Wagyu beef is coveted around the world for its superior quality, and for the first time ever, consumers will be able to directly purchase its super-premium Gold Grade beef for themselves. Beginning August 1, a limited selection Gold Grade beef will be sold in the company's online store.

"Our exclusive Gold Grade beef is the choice of several Michelin starred restaurants and our inventory is usually pre-ordered by our chef partners," said Kristin Thornton, manager of consumer sales for Snake River Farms. "After receiving numerous requests from customers, we decided to hold a once-a-year sale with a portion of this exceptional product available directly to consumers."

Less than five percent of all cattle raised in American qualify for the U.S.D.A. Prime designation, yet Snake River Farms requires all of its cattle meet a minimum marbling standard equivalent to U.S.D.A. Prime. Because the Japanese grading system includes marbling scores higher than U.S.D.A. Prime, Snake River Farms uses a combination of the Japanese and U.S. systems to further differentiate the quality level of its beef from other beef available in the U.S. market. Only 18 percent of cattle raised by Snake River Farms qualify for the pinnacle distinction of Gold Grade.

The Snake River Farms difference starts with cattle bred exclusively from Tajima genetics, the most famous of all Wagyu bloodlines originating in Japan, and generally regarded as the best quality meat in the country. Snake River Farms feeds its cows the finest potatoes, soft white wheat, corn and alfalfa hay sourced from local Idaho farmers, and carefully finishes the cattle for almost a year longer than standard commodity beef.

The resulting beef maintains the traditional flavor that American consumers love, combined with the tender, buttery essence of Japanese Wagyu beef. Due to the marbling and unsaturated fat ratio, it is so tender and juicy that you can cut it with a butter knife. All Gold Grade cuts are specially selected, perfectly aged, and hand trimmed. The Gold Grade package retails for $500 and includes:

• Four 8-oz. NY Manhattan Cuts
• Four 8-oz. Tenderloin Filets
• Four 8-oz. Filet of Ribeyes

Due to the extremely limited quantity of product available, Snake River Farms will only be able to offer Gold Grade beef for sale through its website during the month of August, or while supplies last. Simple to follow culinary instructions are also included. For more information or to purchase, visit http://store.snakeriverfarms.com/american-style-wagyu-kobe-beef/products/snake-river-farms-gold-grade-steak-collection/ or call 877.736.0193.

About Snake River Farms
Snake River Farms is passionate about delivering the finest eating experiences, a luxury once reserved exclusively for the world's most esteemed restaurants. Featured on the menus of Michelin-rated restaurants, Snake River Farms products include American Wagyu beef, fresh Kurobuta pork, and ham and gourmet sausages. The family-owned business began more than a decade ago with a small herd of Wagyu cattle from the Kobe region of Japan. The Wagyu bulls were crossed with premium American Black Angus to form a proprietary herd that has developed into one of the finest groups of Wagyu/Angus cross cattle in the U.S. With its Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork, Snake River Farms also makes gourmet hamburgers, hams, sausages, frankfurters and hardwood smoked bacon. All items are made with only the finest ingredients to ensure an exquisite eating experience. For more information, visit www.snakeriverfarms.com.

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