November 30, 2009 -- The Tyson Discovery Center is being featured by a public television series called “America’s Heartland,” which airs stories about “people and places in the world of agriculture.” 

The episode on the Discovery Center, Tyson Foods’ research and development complex in Springdale, Arkansas, is about the creation of new foods for today’s consumers.

According to the report, “Across the country, food companies focus on transforming heartland commodities into new options for homes and restaurants…The cuisine development here is going on at the Tyson Foods Discovery Center in Arkansas: 19 test kitchens, a pilot production plant and consumer test areas - creating culinary choices…”

The report shows the company’s kitchens and pilot plant in use and includes interview segments with Tyson research and development executives, as well as chefs and project leaders.

The segment, which is part of the most recent episode of America’s Heartland, is currently airing on public television stations across the country (check your local listings).  It can also be seen on YouTube.  To watch the story, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCn0GuhieWU

The Discovery Center is an industry-leading research and development complex designed to enhance Tyson’s ability to collaborate with customers to create new foods and bring them to market more quickly.  The facility, which opened in early 2007, is considered a hub of food innovation that uses consumer insight, as well culinary and manufacturing expertise to develop and test new products. 

Contact:  Gary Mickelson 479-290-6111 or gary.mickelson@tyson.com