Black Kassel's Dave Brandow and Chris Waite Discuss Product Lines, Winter Fancy Food Show, and More

The snacking category is booming, and everyone wants in. Here to show us how it’s done is Piller’s Black Kassel, whose innovative products have left consumers star-struck. I spoke with Dave Brandow, Director of International Sales, and Chris Waite, Marketing Manager, to find out more about what the company plans on unveiling at Winter Fancy Food Show.

“It’s our first time at the Winter Fancy Food Show where we’re exhibiting ourselves,” Dave explained, noting that the company’s products had been on the show floor before through its distributors. “We’re going to have our full array of products, but we’re definitely highlighting our new formats that are consumer-friendly and grab-and-go.”

One such product is Salami Whips, a long, thin diameter salami meat snack, which launched in late 2017 and has steadily gained consumer acceptance over the last year and a half.

“We’re introducing line extensions to that line, with a new 2 oz format. It’s a little bit smaller and more consumer friendly, making it perfect for snacking on the go,” Chris said. “We’re also very excited to introduce a new flavor: Honey Bourbon.”

If all of this wasn’t already exciting enough, Piller’s Black Kassel has another snacking product that will have showgoers in a tizzy. The 2.5 oz Meat & Cheese Plates features Black Kassel’s authentic salami paired with a complementary specialty European cheese—if you’ll excuse me, I have to hop on over to the grocery store to pick up ten for myself.

Dave left me with a parting thought on what sets Black Kassel products apart from its competitors.

“All of our products adhere to the traditions of their Central European heritage,” he said. “We cold smoke our charcuterie meats for 7-10 days prior to air-drying them. That’s the main difference compared to the other Italian or Mediterranean products out there, and Black Kassel has many salami varieties that will take you on a different flavor journey.

Be sure to visit Black Kassel at Winter Fancy Food Show- Booth #5022 in the North Hall! You may even run into some Deli Market News writers.