For weeks, canned meat lovers across the islands, and the world, have been waiting to hear what new special flavor SSHAM would be releasing to celebrate their 15th anniversary. If initial reactions are any indication, they did not disappoint. This morning, SSHAM creator and CEO Art Pua’a announced that the company would be releasing not one, not two, but three limited time Hawaiian-inspired anniversary flavors. “SSHAM Coffee, SSHAM Pineapple, and Luau SSHAM are a tasty nod to the land and people who made our dreams come true,” says Pua’a. The company says the anniversary flavors will be available until the end of the year.
“We really wanted to make something special to thank the Hawaiian people,” Art says “As everyone knows, this dream started with some leftovers and a kitchen blender, and has grown into a canned meat-product institution. Hundreds of millions of cans of SSHAM, SSHAM Less, SSHAM Extra-Spicy, SSHAM Extra-Dark, SSHAM First Pressing Reserve, and SSHAM Prime are enjoyed by people around the world every year, but Hawaii holds a special place in our hearts. It’s our home, and we wanted to condense a little of that Aloha spirit and put it in every can,” He adds.
The company claims the anniversary flavors offer, “A SSHAM for every time of day and occasion.” While some have called the new recipes, “off-putting” and “bizarre,” SSHAM claims they are delicious and “a canned reflection of Hawaiian life.” According to the company website, the new flavors are inspired by the islands.
“SSHAM Coffee is the perfect meat to get you going in the morning. Infused with expertly roasted, Hawaiian grown beans, and a kick of caffeine, a slice of the this island treat is just what you need to start your day.”
“Luau SSHAM is Hawaiian life in a can. Packed with: strips of steamed banana leaves, poi, yams, cubed fish, and coconut, all encased in a spicy, salted-shrimp, ham blanket, it’s got a little bit of everything you’d expect in a Hawaiian feast. Luau SSHAM offers an authentic Hawaiian meal in every mouth watering slice.”
“SSHAM Pineapple is the ultimate combination of fruity-salty-sweet. Pineapple has long been associated with Hawaii, and is perfectly paired in every can SSHAM Pineapple. End your evening with a sweet slice of Hawaiian life. It’s great frozen and sprinkled over shaved ice, blended into your favorite cocktail, or incorporated into your favorite dessert.”
Despite a few negative reactions on the company’s SSHAM Stories page, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, but it is still early. Less than two years ago, the company ran into trouble when they changed the longstanding SSHAM recipe and released SSHAM Prime. The backlash was quick and devastating to the company. Long-time SSHAM lovers promised to never eat another can, a promotional contest was cancelled, and many Hawaiian retailers threatened to pull the product from their shelves.
Pua’a says that he learned a lot from the SSHAM Prime controversy, and is quick to point out that the company isn’t replacing any SSHAM products, or altering any recipes. “There’s nothing more important to us than our customers. We heard what they had to say and respected their wishes. This is a completely different situation. We aren’t changing anything and these flavors will only be around until the end of the year,” says Art.
“We hold SSHAM Fest every year to celebrate the greatest canned meat product on earth, and the greatest customers on Earth. We just thought it was about time to celebrate the greatest place on Earth too. I’m not sure our story could have happened anywhere but Hawaii. The company is even sponsoring the construction of several totems throughout Lahaina, to help celebrate Hawaiian culture, and SSHAM’s role in it. Turning 15 is a big deal, and we hope everyone can taste the love we have for our product, this place, and the people of Hawaii, with every slice of our anniversary flavors.”
