National Pork Board Endorses Burger King's Debut of Bone-In BK™ Fire-Grilled Ribs

"We are pleased to see Burger King Corp. become the first national fast-food hamburger chain to serve authentic bone-in ribs," says Paul Perfilio, national foodservice marketing manager for the National Pork Board. "When you talk about barbecue, you talk about pork, and these bone-in ribs are 100 percent pork and full of flavor."

BK Fire-Grilled Ribs offer Burger King  guests a premium option that rivals casual dining offerings, but at a more affordable price, Perfilio said, adding that the ribs have been tested successfully during the last year with support from the National Pork Board. Media support for the ribs started on May 24, and the product will be available for a limited time only. 

"Anytime we can get a major foodservice chain to feature a great product like this, it helps keep pork top of mind with the public, and that's beneficial for everyone involved," says Dianne Bettin, chairman of the Pork Checkoff's Domestic Marketing Committee. Bettin, from Truman, Minn., runs a farming operation with her husband, Doug.

"Offering authentic bone-in ribs is a testament to our commitment to bring guests premium products, said John Schaufelberger," senior vice president, global product marketing and innovation, Burger King Corp. "We were pleased that the Pork Checkoff supported us throughout the development process."

Guests at participating restaurants can try the ribs by adding on a three-piece serving to a BK Value Meal for a suggested retail price of an additional $1.99. BK Fire-Grilled Ribs are also available for value-conscious customers in three- and six-piece serving sizes designed for snacking or as an add-on item. They are available for a suggested retail price of $2.99 and $5.69 respectively. Alternatively, for those in the mood for a more indulgent serving, an eight-piece order is also available for a suggested retail price of $7.19.

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or check the Internet at www.pork.org.