Ground Pork’s Untapped Potential and How to Win with Consumers | Sarah Showalter & Will Brunt

About the Guests Sarah Showalter is the director of consumer and business insights for the National Pork Board. She implements consumer-focused, producer-led strategy by leading qualitative and quantitative research to answer business questions and identify opportunities. Prior to her role at NPB, Showalter attended Iowa State University and has experience in developing strategic insights through research at Circana (formerly IRI), Conagra Brands and Hallmark Cards, Inc. Will Brunt is the chief innovation and marketing officer for Villari Food Group, based out of Wilmington, North Carolina. In this role, he develops and implements strategic initiatives that align with business objectives in innovation, sales and marketing. He notably established a robust three-year pipeline of innovative products, delivering 5% annual growth and maintaining a competitive product portfolio. Will has spent more than half of his 32-year marketing and advertising career with animal protein, emphasizing pork, specifically Boar’s Head, Smithfield Foods and Villari Food Group, while also building cross-functional teams and creating a growth-oriented culture of accountability and partnership. Other brands throughout his career include Sara Lee, Tabasco, Rolling Rock, Ventura Foods and International Delight. Lastly, Will was active in the National Pork Board’s two-year marketing advisory group, which served as a crucial feedback loop for the development of the Taste What Pork Can Do® consumer brand campaign, launched in May 2025. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why ground pork is a major growth opportunity and how it fits today’s need for quick, easy meals How ground pork’s versatility lets it work across global flavors, everyday meals, and different cooking styles Why consumers are stuck in habits and how simple swaps like using pork instead of beef can unlock new meals How education across the entire supply chain is key to driving demand and making ground pork a household staple Sarah & Will’s “Golden Nugget”