Meat + Poultry - February 2016 - 50

THE SAUSAGE REPORT

as well known in Arizona and other Southern
states as they are in western New York.
"I don't think that is realistic," he says.
"But if we can find a niche and show healthy
growth...that would be great. You have to
have goals that are attainable. We want to be
a player in these markets; we want to find
our spot. That might not mean we are in the
top five in hot dog sales, but we will find our
niche."
To coincide with the push, the company
is installing a large freezer at its Buffalo plant
and headquarters to meet possible increased
demand at foodservice.

ALL ABOARD

Sahlen
Packing has
been processing hot
dogs for about 100 years.

pre-packed casing hot dog brand the store
sells; the rest are skinless.
Battistoni also plans to visit an unnamed
retailer in Texas to make a deal to sell the
company's hot dogs through its many stores.
Battistoni points to the large Hispanic
population in Texas, noting that Hispanics
are known for family gatherings and that hot
dogs are a popular family food. The warm
weather in Texas is also conducive to grilling
year-round, which also bodes well for hot dogs
and would boost Sahlen Packing's production
during the winter months.
Talks are also underway with Publix, a
grocery chain based in Lakeland, Fla.
If Sahlen Packing can get more Southern
retailers to carry its hot dogs, the company
believes it opens up the opportunity for those
retailers to carry more of the company's
products, which would help build brand
identity, a positive for the company and the
retailers, Battistoni says.
Long term, Battistoni's goal is for Sahlen
Packing's hot dogs to become recognized in as
many states as possible so retailers are calling
the company to inquire about stocking them.
Sahlen realizes that it might be asking too
much for the company's hot dogs to become

50

MEAT+ POULTRY | 02.16 | www.meatpoultry.com

From a family business perspective, it's a
wonder that Sahlen Packing is still around.
Only 3 percent of family businesses make
it into the fourth generation. A reason the
company has been able to survive for so long
is because the business has been able to avoid
internal family conflicts.
"We've had our ups and downs here," Sahlen
says. "It has been 20 years since I acquired close
to full ownership of the company so everything
has been quite tranquil. ...But there is a lot at
stake here and a lot to lose. Egos and emotions
have to be kept in check."
Sahlen's son, Joseph L. Sahlen, represents
the fifth generation and the 35-year-old is
the heir apparent to lead the business when
his 62-year-old father retires. According
to statistics, less than 3 percent of family
businesses make it to the fifth generation.
Joseph L. represents that less than 3
percent - and he's all in with the family
business.
"We have to grow where the opportunities
present," he says firmly. "We just can't show up
in a market and say, 'Here we are.' We have to
build relationships and distribution first."
Even though he's not part of the family,
Battistoni says he feels like he is, which
provides him with the energy and motivation
to show up for work every day to help the
business move forward.
"This place is an icon," Battistoni says of
Sahlen Packing. "In order to keep it that way,
you have to love what you do and go out and
do it."
In this case, that means it's full speed ahead
for selling the company's hot dog line.
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