60 • URNER BARRY'S REPORTER / VOL. 18, NO. 4 / FALL 2023
Article contributed by The National Turkey Federation
Giving a whole new meaning to "pit" row...
If you haven't heard, turkey has been rising to stardom along the barbecue trail and the enthusiasm
for our favorite fowl is only growing. Turkey Smoke, the National Turkey Federation's (NTF) barbecue
competition series in partnership with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), is proving to be an
effective way to boost the popularity of this lean, delicious, nutrient-dense protein on the grill
and smoker, and we are excited to share just how far this program has come.
With a barbecue competition slated almost every weekend throughout the summer, Turkey
Smoke can be found at some of the top barbecue competitions in the world, including
Memphis in May, the KCBS World Invitational and the American Royal World Series of
Barbecue which is coming up on at the end of September. So far this year, more than
500 barbecue teams have accepted the Turkey Smoke challenge competing in 17 KCBS
competitions nationwide. Turkey Smoke also made appearances at many other non-KCBS
sanctioned events and barbecue festivals that featured demos led by some of the biggest
names in the barbecue world.
An especially rewarding moment for the Turkey Smoke program was receiving a prominent
feature on the Food Network's show, BBQ USA hosted by Chef Michael Symon, earlier this
year. The first half of the show was dedicated to following contestants as they prepared
their turkey entry at the 2022 American Royal. Turn-in items that have earned top honors
include turkey egg rolls, turkey muffaletta sandwiches, turkey burnt ends and many more innovative, tasty
entries. Week after week, barbecue teams continue to up the ante as they are constantly reimagining new
and spectacular turkey entries to wow the judges with.
As Turkey Smoke continues to gain traction on the competition barbecue circuit, so does interest
from consumers. Earlier this year, NTF debuted an industry-led, consumer-facing marketing
campaign by launching a brand agnostic QR spot sticker for turkey products fit for the
grill and smoker. With a simple scan, shoppers are directed to TurkeySmoke.org where
they can peruse barbecue recipes, grilling tips and more. This initiative serves as
an efficient method of connecting consumers with helpful resources on cooking
delicious turkey in their own backyard. With tailgate season upon us, these
spot stickers will be particularly useful to consumers looking to add turkey
to their repertoire of grilled meats to serve at their next tailgate party.
Highlighting turkey's versatility in the tailgate setting and
encouraging tailgaters to try turkey-particularly on the grill-as
part of the tailgate spread remains another focus of NTF. This year,
NTF once again partnered with Audacy, the official radio network
of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, to promote Tailgate with Turkey
through radio and social media ads geared toward directing consumers to
www.tailgatewithturkey.com for a chance to win the ultimate tailgating prize pack.
Valued at more than $1,700, the package includes Traeger Grill products, a Yeti cooler, Chiefs
and Royals swag and more. If you're in the Kansas City area for a Chiefs or Royals game, tune in to 610 Sports Radio to hear our ads.
NTF is pleased to say Turkey Smoke and Tailgate with Turkey has created enthusiasm and interest from pitmasters, consumers and NTF
members, and even bigger things are in store as turkey's place over the coals is further amplified. Whether you are a backyard barbecue
warrior, a tailgate titan, a practical provider or simply a fabulous foodie, turkey can shine in any setting and on every plate all year long,
but especially on the pit. Visit TurkeySmoke.org to learn more about how you might prepare turkey barbecue or participate in a Turkey
Smoke barbecue competition.
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE, THERE'S TURKEY!