Niche pork companies were having a difficult time selling all parts of the hog carcass, resulting in their need for large margins on desired cuts of pork to offset negative margins on less desired cuts or byproducts. Their challenge was driven by a lack of critical mass to supply customers’ needs, a lack of customer diversity to utilize the entire carcass, a lack of resources, and a lack of knowledge of the market and process.

In 2007, the Pork Niche Market Working Group (PNMWG) secured funding from Value Chain Partnerships to conduct research on Maximizing Carcass Utilization in Niche Pork. Per Duane Short, the consultant hired for this project, “The long-term success of niche pork companies depends on solving the carcass utilization puzzle.”

Through research, the group learned that companies who process various pork items such as hams would be interested in a consistent supply of antibiotic-free pork. By aggregating the excess from niche pork companies, there would be enough pork available to meet this need.

This project led to a business opportunity, Prime Pork Supply. This business-to-business entity developed the necessary business structures, relationships, and agreements necessary to facilitate commerce. Prime Pork Supply worked with distributors and retailers to develop a broader customer base. In addition, the company also expanded beyond pork into beef and poultry.