On August 14, 2004, after 82 years of making old-fashioned, premium pork, beef, and turkey products; Alderfer Inc. purchased E.W. Knauss & Son, one of the largest dried beef manufacturers in the world. When this transpired, the addition of the Knauss dried beef line more than doubled the size of Alderfer in areas of revenue, manufacturing space, pounds produced, and distribution.  This purchase also included the addition of the Carson's Dried Beef line, which was also developed under the Knauss company.

One week later, on August 24th, Alderfer purchased another Lehigh Valley meat manufacturer, The Schafer Bologna Company of Easton, PA.  Schafer is a prominent mail-order business and manufacturer of summer sausage. 

Both acquisitions were a natural fit for Alderfer, launching the company into the direction of its vision and creating opportunities.

Today, Alderfer, Inc. is still a family owned and operated business, which continues to bring you three generations of experience in making old-fashioned, premium pork, beef, and turkey products from fresh meats. Alderfer is the brand you have come to trust for authentic, real wood smoked meats for that exquisite, old-fashioned taste. 

More on the Alderfer family of products:  

Knauss and Carsons:
Originating in Quakertown, PA, the Knauss line of meats features their genuine, old-fashioned, natural dried beef products, popular since 1902. Knauss’ dried beef started as a Pennsylvania Dutch favorite and is now enjoyed across the country.  Knauss was also famous for producing Carson's Air Dried Beef--a favorite as Cream Chipped Beef over toast. Today, Alderfer Inc. produces Dried Beef and Pork Roll products under the Knauss and Carsons names'.





Schafers:
Schafer Bologna is a 160 year old, regional tradition, which originated in a South Side Easton, PA butcher shop. This spicy, original German recipe is unlike any other bologna on the market – not too sweet and not too spicy. Schafer Bologna is not loaded with filler like many other bolognas. It’s pure beef. Great for lunches, college students, picnics, sporting events and taste-of-home care packages. Alderfer Premium Meats will continue to sell this regional tradition using the original recipe.