Raley's Launches Private-Label Angus Beef

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Raley's here has rolled out a new, premium private-label beef brand, “Raley's 100% Black Angus Beef,” at all 124 of its Raley's, Bel Air and Nob Hill Foods stores, the company announced earlier this month.

“Raley's has long had a reputation for fine meats,” said Dewey Maroney, the company's vice president of perishables. “We are already one of the only major supermarkets to offer USDA Choice graded beef. Now, adding Raley's Black Angus Beef and Full Circle Natural Angus Beef to our line, we'll be carrying the best quality of beef of any supermarket in our marketing area.”

A special section of the company's website last week described the new product line, explaining that “the exceptional marbling and flavor of Black Angus creates a beef so exquisite that it's the choice of fine steakhouses. Now you can savor that flavor every day, because we're the first major supermarket in our area to carry 100% Angus Beef — every cut, every time.”

A variety of cuts were featured, including New York strip for $3.99, London broil for $2.27, chuck roast for $2.77 and sirloin for $2.97 per pound. Visitors to the site could also link on recipe suggestions, including a three-pepper steak rub, marinated rosemary roast and smoky garlic steaks.

As grilling season approaches, Raley's appears to be positioning the new line as an alternative to restaurant dining that will allow their shoppers to save money without sacrificing on quality.

In the press announcement, Maroney emphasized that Raley's meatcutters are experts who can help shoppers choose the right cuts, offer preparation tips and explain terms like marbling.

“[They] can help take the guesswork out of buying the best cut of meat for any occasion,” he said.

He added that “not only can Raley's Black Angus Beef be an answer to customers wanting the highest-quality cuts of beef, we're offering an affordable alternative to costly steakhouse dining.

“And we're giving them the best cuts of beef offered at any supermarket.”