FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Sherrie Rosenblatt, National Turkey Federation
202-898-0100 ext. 233, srosenblatt@turkeyfed.org
or Leslee McGovern, Devine & Pearson
617-472-2700 ext. 137 lmcgovern@devine-pearson.com

NATIONAL TURKEY FEDERATION IDENTIFIES GROWING INTEREST IN GROUND TURKEY
Consumers Discovering Great Taste Goes Along with Protein's Health Benefits

WASHINGTON, DC (September 2002) - In a recent interactive consumer survey conducted on the National Turkey Federation (NTF) web site, www.eatturkey.com, results showed that ground turkey purchases were up 7 percent from 2001. Respondents also indicated that the top influential factors for buying ground turkey were its good taste and health benefits, with good taste taking the top spot among 80 percent of respondents. Additionally, ground turkey is the number two turkey product consumers would like to see in new recipes, second only to special cuts such as turkey tenderloins, cutlets and fillets.

"Consumers who once opted for ground turkey purely as a healthful alternative to ground beef are now coming to appreciate its great taste and versatility," says Sherrie Rosenblatt, NTF's director of public relations. "Foodservice professionals can capitalize on this trend by remembering ground turkey when they're developing new menu applications."

More than 45 ground turkey recipes can be found as part of the NTF's 400+ recipe database in the foodservice section of eatturkey.com. The recipe collection features creations submitted by celebrity chefs, culinary school students and NTF members, so every sector of the foodservice industry is represented. The ground turkey recipes are influenced by many ethnic traditions including Greek, Asian and New American, and incorporate a wide variety of ingredients that range from kalamata olives and soy sauce to wasabi powder, sage and coriander.

Turkey Sausage with Citrus Salsa (developed for NTF's Give Turkey a Turn™" grilling program), Panko Fried Turkey Croquettes with Mango Salsa, Szechuan Turkey Chili, and Turkey Spanakopita with Sun-Dried Tomato Fondue are just four of the recipes offered on the site. To view these innovative applications, as well as a host of others, go to www.eatturkey.com, select Foodservice, then click on the Recipe Card, check off Ground Turkey and begin your search.

About the Survey Conducted on www.eatturkey.com from March 1 - May 31, 2002, this online, interactive study surveyed consumer purchasing patterns in the supermarket. There were 225 respondents, up from 214 in 2001.

The National Turkey Federation is the advocate for all segments of the U.S. turkey industry. It's award winning web site www.eatturkey.com offers successful on-line professional chef cooking demonstrations and a searchable database of more than 300 recipes that exhibit turkey's versatility as a profit-building item, which enhances menus in all meal occasions during every season of the year. Operators can also go to www.eatturkey.com to sign up for the RecipE-mail program to register and receive unique recipe ideas that add flair to holiday and special occasion menus year-round.