Texas Hold’em Dealt a Win in Beef Innovation Contest

Visionary Design has been awarded first prize in the new Beef Innovation Contest, initiated by the Denver-based Beef Innovations Group (BIG). The product, dubbed “Texas Hold’em,” is a grilled beef short rib that has been frenched and scored to the bone—you can eat it while holding it in your hands, or simply slice down the bone for tender pieces of beef. The announcement was made during the recent Research Chefs Association Annual Conference in Seattle.

“Response to the contest exceeded expectations in this, our debut year,” said Ellen Gibson, executive director, New Product Initiatives, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “The Texas Hold’em is an innovative product that will bring convenience and flavor to consumers that crave the great taste of beef.”

A diverse panel of experts judged the competing products based on their creativity, uniqueness, taste and healthy convenience qualities.

This award, presented to Gene Gagliardi of Visionary Design, carries a top prize of $50,000 in advertising support to promote the new beef product. Gagliardi and the winning product are also being featured in print advertisements and on the BIG website. Details on the 2009 BIG Beef Innovation Contest will be available in May.

Funded by The Beef Checkoff program, BIG works to develop imaginative beef menu items and products through partnerships with manufacturers, foodservice operators and retailers.

To see the winning product, learn more about next year’s contest or for more information about BIG, visit the BIG website.