Coast Packing Insights

Lard is being smeared on sourdough, draped over scallops and boiled up for triple-cooked chips – and it might even be good for us. Are you a fan of pig fat?

You think you’ve got marketing challenges? Think what it’s been like for Coast Packing, a top supplier of lard and beef tallow, two products dietitians scorn as cholesterol producers of the first order.

Lard and schmaltz are being smeared on bread, plopped on pizza, ladled on mash potatoes — and experts say this “animal fat craze” may even be healthier for us.

Up until the 20th century, Americans commonly used lard as a cooking fat, shortening or just a spread to be enjoyed with a slice of bread Then, as NPR pointed out, the public came to regard pig fat as exceptionally unhealthy.

Clean-food trend and new regulations converge to rehabilitate animal fats

Consumption of animal fats is on the rise, and the trend is led by millennials, according to a new survey from Coast Packing Company and Ipsos Research.

Before the trend toward plant-based oils gained traction, us Brits would consume good old-fashioned lard without fear.

The Italian fatback finds its way onto salumi plates, burgers and tacos across the US

Flavor inspiration from the Pacific Rim (think Asia, Oceania and the western coasts of North and South America) are popping up in grocery stores and restaurants as people continue to explore more of the world through their palates.

CHICAGO — Without fat, many foods lack substance. Fat dissolves and concentrates flavors and aromas, and depending on the source, may bring its own flavors to a recipe. Think: buttery croissant, coconut cream curry and sesame oil stir fry.

Depending on your age, you may or may not be familiar with lard. The cooking fat was once a staple ingredient in home kitchens, though over the years, it has become something of a mysterious one.

When it comes to baking, everyone has their choice of “fat” or oil that they prefer to use. For some, it’s butter; for others, it’s a vegetable shortening like Crisco.

Beef tallow is having a moment—and Coast Packing Company is turning that momentum into an annual celebration. On July 13, 2026 (National Beef Tallow Day), the Vernon, California-based supplier kicked off its 9th Annual #BeefTallowFrenchFries Contest, a social-first campaign that runs through Friday, July 31, and rewards nothing more complicated than one great photo of crispy, golden fries fried the natural way.

Vernon, Calif.-based animal fat shortening supplier Coast Packing Company is trumpeting the celebration of National Beef Tallow Day on July 13 to invite consumers, chefs and restaurants to discover the flavor and versatility of a “time-tested” cooking fat.

Coast Packing and the Healthy Fats Coalition celebrate National Beef Tallow Day on July 13, promoting the traditional cooking fat’s flavor, sustainability, and performance in commercial and home kitchens.

Chavis Ferguson of Coast Packing Company centers safety and superior leadership in his management of operations.

Celebration emphasizes beef tallow’s role in flavor, frying performance, cooking heritage and more sustainable use of animal-based ingredients.

Established in 2018 by the Healthy Fats Coalition, National Beef Tallow Day was created to spotlight traditional animal fats that have shaped cooking for generations.

Beef Tallow Day highlights the history, flavor and growing return of traditional animal fats

Coast Packing Company, the leading supplier of animal fat shortenings in the Western United States, and the Healthy Fats Coalition are inviting consumers, chefs, restaurants and food lovers to celebrate National Beef Tallow Day on Monday, July 13.

Coast Packing Co. and the Healthy Fats Coalition invite restaurants, chefs and consumers to celebrate National Beef Tallow Day July 13.

Coast Packing Company, the leading supplier of animal fat shortenings in the Western United States, and the Healthy Fats Coalition are inviting consumers, chefs, restaurants and food lovers to celebrate National Beef Tallow Day on July 13.

Coast Packing Company, the leading supplier of animal fat shortenings in the Western United States, and the Healthy Fats Coalition are inviting consumers, chefs, restaurants and food lovers to celebrate National Beef Tallow Day on July 13.

Vernon, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Coast Packing Company, the leading supplier of animal fat shortenings in the Western United States, and the Healthy Fats Coalition are inviting consumers, chefs, restaurants and food lovers to celebrate National Beef Tallow Day on July 13.