School's Out...But Mezzetta Gourmet Sandwich University is Now in Session

2008-05-23 23:49:38 -

- G.L. Mezzetta, Inc. Mary Ann Vangrin, 707-648-1050 Director of Public Relations mvangrin@mezzetta.com Memorial Day weekend signals the official start of summer but G.L. Mezzetta, Inc., America's number one producer of imported and domestic peppers. olives and other specialty foods, is calling it the official start of sandwich-making. The Mezzetta Make That Sandwich Contest goes live this holiday weekend on

Monday, May 26. The contest challenges sandwich aficionados across the country to submit their recipes for the best sandwich ever.

The Grand Prize winner receives $25,000 and a culinary trip and tour to Napa Valley, home of Mezzetta. Three runners-up will get $1,000 each. The possibilities for a winning sandwich are limited only by your imagination--and the requirement to use at least two of Mezzetta's savory gourmet ingredients, such as Hot Cherry Peppers, Tamed Jalapeno Nacho Rings, or Peperoncini.

"We consider ourselves authorities on the sandwich because of our experience producing ingredients which take sandwiches from everyday to gourmet." explains Jeff Mezzetta, President and CEO. "Mezzetta Gourmet Sandwich University is our way of sharing knowledge with sandwich lovers everywhere."

Online entries are accepted at the Web site, www.makethatsandwich.com, home of the world's first digital Gourmet Sandwich University. On the site, consumers can check out the official rules, read about the history of sandwiches, enter the contest, and find tips and techniques for making prize-winning sandwiches.

Mezzetta was founded in 1935 in San Francisco's North Beach, and is considered part of the unique culinary heritage of the Bay Area, much like Dungeness crab and sourdough bread. Giuseppe Luigi Mezzetta, an Italian immigrant, began his business selling imported Italian specialties to North Beach markets. Four generations later, the company is still family owned and operated and still producing great flavor-charged ingredients including their best-selling item-- and one of the most popular sandwich toppers ever--Peperoncini.

Contestants can enter Mezzetta Make That Sandwich Contest in any or all of four categories: cold sandwich, hot sandwich, vegetarian, and hero (submarine-style). The Grand Prize winner will be selected from the category finalists by a panel of culinary experts. Entries will be judged on appearance, taste, creativity, and use of Mezzetta products. The contest begins May 26 (Memorial Day) and ends September 1, (Labor Day) 2008. www.makethatsandwich.com has complete contest rules, Gourmet Sandwich University which features a compendium of sandwich lore and information, and an electronic entry form.

About G. L. Mezzetta Inc.

Mezzetta is America's favorite brand of imported and domestic peppers and olives. A category pioneer and innovator for over 70 years, Mezzetta offers four leading brands and a wide variety of regional culinary specialties. Based on a rich Italian-American heritage spanning four generations, Mezzetta is committed to leading the industry in product quality, variety, availability, and education. Mezzetta delivers convenience, flavor, and value to today's health-conscious consumers. www.mezzetta.com

*Information Resources (IRI), 03/08

Mezzetta Make That Sandwich Contest Starts on Memorial Day