Golden West Food Group (GWFG), Vernon, Calif., partnered with Snake River Farms (SRF), Boise, Idaho, to produce value-added consumer packaged goods and distribute American Wagyu beef to premium retailers nationwide. 

SRF starts with cattle bred exclusively from Tajima genetics, feeding it the finest potatoes, soft white wheat, corn and alfalfa hay sourced from local Idaho farmers. 

"We are very excited to partner with Snake River Farms," says Zack Levenson, chief operating officer of GWFG. "Their beef is perfectly balanced between excellent beef flavor and the very tender, buttery taste of Japanese Wagyu. It's the perfect blend of East meets West. Typically reserved for the world's finest restaurants, Snake River Farms Wagyu is now available to the country's finest premium retailers through this unique partnership."

Snake River Farms cattle typically grade equivalent to USDA Prime or higher on the marbling scale. But, SRF uses a combination of the Japanese and U.S. systems to further differentiate the quality level of its beef from other beef available in the U.S. market. 

"This is literally a different animal when it comes to beef from the unique breed, feed and the way the cattle are raised, Snake River Farms products are second to none," says Levenson. 

"We are extremely pleased to have Golden West help us reach America's most premium retailers. They are equally passionate about delivering quality, and we feel like the partnership is a great match," adds Jay Theiler, executive director of marketing for SRF.