A Kentucky Protest Against Imports Gains Traction
Jun 23rd, 2008 by Admin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
A Kentucky Protest Against Imports Gains TractionWestport, KY - June 17, 2008 - With the current consumers’ selection of gift items being limited primarily to products being made in Japan and China, Kentucky’s own Shane Best is waving the flag…and loudly. Best - president of Kentucky BourbonQ, a local barbecue sauce manufacturer and distributor - had noticed in touring gift shops throughout the Southeast that many tourists were looking at labels of gift products for country of origin. “It was obvious that they were looking for something made in the U.S.A.,” Best says, “because everything they were picking up and putting back was made in China.”
According to a recent CNN report, “Americans have begun taking a more critical look at where their food comes from, especially food from China. A recent USA Today/Gallup poll found 46 percent of those polled are ‘very concerned’ about the safety of food imported from China; another 28 percent said they were ’somewhat concerned’ about Chinese food products.” In addition, CNN reports that according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “60 percent of all recalled consumer products in the United States [in 2007 came] from China — from toys and jewelry made with lead-based paint to small, defective space heaters that could result in fires.”
Well aware of the rampant fear of lead-tainted merchandise from China, Best decided to forge a path into blatant marketing. Kentucky BourbonQ has now designated a premium marinade as a flagship stand against Chinese imports, complete with a sizzling label filled with Best’s own brand of Southern humor:
“Pappy’s Not Made In China - barbecue sauce without lead paint.”
“Most people get it right off the bat that this could be a sauce for kids - hence the lead paint reference - but most importantly, that it is safe to eat,” Best says with a grin. “With as bold as this label is, not only is it turning a lot of retailers’ heads, but it’s getting the attention of the consumer, as well.”
People have been more than willing to make what could be construed as a “protest purchase.” After a debut in January, Pappy’s Not Made In China is already raking in repeat orders, even though the barbecue season has only just begun. “The best part is, it’s not only Americans that are having fun with this,” says Best. “I’m packing a container next week bound for Australia!”
Contact Info:
Shane Best
Kentucky BourbonQ
PO Box 16
Westport, KY 40077
502-222-6154
502-222-1848 (fax)
www.BourbonQ.com
