CLIVE — The Iowa Pork Producers Association is set to launch the most delicious trail in Iowa by making it easier for consumers to find and enjoy some of the best tenderloins in the state.
IPPA has developed the “Iowa Pork Tenderloin Trail” that recognizes and promotes the juicy and delicious breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches available at 14 cafes, restaurants or pubs around the state. IPPA hand-selected these sandwiches and invited the establishments to participate in the trail. IPPA encourages all pork-loving connoisseurs to take on this journey.
“I hate to say we’re copycats, but we were inspired by the popularity of so many other food trails and thought to ourselves: ‘This is Iowa, the number one pork producing state in the country. It needs a pork trail!’ and that’s what we did,” said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA marketing/program director.
To participate in the Iowa Pork Tenderloin Trail, consumers will need the official passport. It can be downloaded at www.iowapork.org or the Travel Iowa website at www.traveliowa.com. Passports also can be picked up at the IPPA office in Clive or at any of the restaurants along the trail.
Trail explorers will receive a stamp in their passport for each tenderloin they enjoy and when they’ve achieved 10 stamps, they will be awarded an “I Conquered the Iowa Tenderloin Trail” tee shirt from the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Additional details are available on the IPPA website.
“The pork tenderloin is very much a Midwest legend. It can be found on almost every small-town menu in Iowa, but is largely unheard of outside the Midwest,” Sutter said. “The tenderloin trail celebrates the authenticity of the tenderloin sandwich, the local Iowa restaurants that prepare them with expertise, and the rich heritage of the Iowa pork industry.”
The trail features some fun favorites, including Gov. Kim Reynolds’ pick, the IPPA staff’s favorite that is enjoyed often on Tenderloin Tuesdays, and the favorite of the “Pursuing Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches” Facebook group that has more than 14,000 members.
This delicious project is made possible by the devoted and passionate pig farmers around the state who are committed to producing safe, delicious and affordable pork.
“We hope this trail will continue to grow the connection between Iowa and delicious pork and encourage both citizens and travelers to explore new establishments across the state and indulge in an Iowa tenderloin,” said Dave Struthers, chair of the IPPA Restaurant and Foodservice Committee.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association is an industry inclusive organization whose mission is to provide a unified voice to promote and educate for a sustainable, socially responsible, profitable and globally competitive pork industry.