Stay Updated with the Latest Eastern Idaho Business News

Are you curious about the latest developments in the eastern Idaho business scene? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive rundown of the week’s business news across the valley.

BIZ BUZZ

SHELLEY

Longtime Jerky Producer Reflects on 55 Years of Success

Situated in Shelley, Hero Snacks (formerly known as Golden Valley Natural) has been serving as a leading jerky producer for over 55 years. You may have come across their products in various businesses such as Walmart, Good2Go, and Broulim’s, but what you might not be aware of is that their production facility is located right here in eastern Idaho.

This remarkable company operates out of a spacious 200,000-square-foot building at 815 East 1400 North in Shelley and offers an extensive range of beef, turkey, pork, and bison meat snacks to distributors nationwide. Hero Snacks’ products can be found in approximately 330 Walmart stores across the country, a testament to their growing popularity.

Ben Ball, co-owner and president of Hero Snacks, expressed his excitement about the company’s future prospects, stating, “We’re excited about the growth of the Hero brand. There are great things to come in the future.”

With their daily processing capacity of 20 to 30,000 pounds of protein, Hero Snacks ensures the highest quality products reach their customers. The production process, which takes approximately 24 hours to complete, involves tenderizing, slicing, marinating, screening, cooking, cooling, and packaging. While confidentiality agreements with distributors restrict a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the production process, you can gain some insight from the provided video.

Hero Snacks has a rich history that dates back to its inception in 1968 by Roger Ball, Ben Ball’s father. Roger initially established the business in Idaho Falls, where he revolutionized the jerky industry by introducing a shelf-stable, high-moisture product. This innovation led to the development of the immensely successful King B Jerky, which quickly gained national recognition and firmly established Roger Ball as a pioneer in the field.

Over the years, the business expanded, and in the early 1980s, Roger introduced bison jerky to the market. Recognizing its immense potential, he began raising his own herd to meet the growing demand. Today, the Ball family owns cattle and bison ranches in Lemhi and Malad, further solidifying their commitment to providing high-quality products.

After selling the business to Jack Links in 2003, Roger retained the rights to develop his natural and organic jerky, leading to the birth of Golden Valley Natural. Ben Ball joined the company as a partner in 2005. In 2015, Hero Snacks opened its doors at a new location in Shelley, where it continues to make waves in the industry.

Furthermore, Hero Snacks has made significant contributions to the local community. The company’s namesake, the Hero Arena at the Mountain America Center, has elevated their brand recognition and provided a much-needed event venue, which Ben Ball greatly appreciates.

Looking ahead, Ben Ball aspires to grow Hero Snacks into the best and largest jerky brand in the world. With their state-of-the-art facility and ample capacity, he aims to fill the market with Hero jerky and showcase the brand’s excellence.

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