BOULDER, Colo. (July 19, 2023) – Backpacker’s Pantry, the family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, and Astronaut Foods, the original source for freeze-dried astronaut ice cream, announces the hire of Chris Dickerson as its new Director of Marketing.
With an extensive background in brand strategy and digital marketing, Dickerson is set to drive the company’s marketing efforts and propel the Backpacker’s Pantry and Astronaut Ice Cream brands to new heights.
Dickerson brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the outdoor industry. Having worked with several prominent outdoor brands, including Hydro Flask, Sea to Summit, Whistler Blackcomb, REI, Therm-a-Rest, MSR, evo, and Zumiez, Dickerson’s expertise in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns is expected to strengthen Backpacker’s Pantry’s market presence and accelerate its growth trajectory.
“We are thrilled to add Chris to the family,” said Duane Primozich, CEO of Backpacker’s Pantry. “Beyond his deep experience in the outdoor industry and his exceptional vocational acumen, he is a perfect cultural fit. He shares our core values and embraces our core purpose of service to our people and the planet.”
As the Director of Marketing, Dickerson will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies that align with Backpacker’s Pantry and Astronaut Foods business objectives. His primary focus will be on enhancing brand awareness, expanding customer engagement, and driving revenue growth through a multi-channel marketing approach.
“I’m very excited to join Backpacker’s Pantry and Astronaut Foods, two brands that have such a rich history and essentially created the freeze-dried food category in the outdoor industry and outer space,” said Dickerson. “Backpacker’s Pantry and Astro have a strong commitment to quality, and sustainability to serve our people, the planet, and our customers. I look forward to working closely with the team to develop innovative marketing initiatives that resonate with our target audience and drive the company’s success.”
Outside of work, Dickerson can be found hiking, camping, and skiing in and around the Pacific Northwest. He also currently serves on the Marketing Communications Committee of the Washington National Park Fund.
For more information on Backpacker’s Pantry, please visit: https://backpackerspantry.com
About Backpacker’s Pantry
Backpacker’s Pantry is a Boulder-based, family-owned producer of gourmet adventure meals made with healthy and sustainable ingredients. Since 1951, the company has been delivering high-quality freeze-dried meals with an emphasis on taste. To give back to the community we love, the places we adventure and the planet we must protect, Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, every day to nonprofits around the world through 1% For the Planet and is 100% solar powered. Today, Backpacker’s Pantry is sold in over 2,000 stores in North America. For more information and a complete list of products, visit https://backpackerspantry.com.
About Astronaut Foods
Founded in 1974 in conjunction with NASA and based in Boulder, Colorado, Astronaut Foods is the original source for freeze-dried ice cream — an out of this world treat. Today, the company sells freeze-dried ice cream sandwiches and freeze-dried fruit. Astronaut Foods can be found in museums, toy shops, amusement parks and outdoor stores all across North America, Europe, and Asia. Additionally, Astronaut Foods is dedicated to supporting people and organizations whose goal is to push the boundaries of space exploration and discovery. For more information and a complete list of products, visit astronautfoods.com.
About American Outdoor Products
American Outdoor Products (AOP) is a food manufacturer located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO. Established in 1951, American Outdoor Products remains an independent, privately held, family-owned and operated company distributing products throughout the world. Inspired by a passion for unique cuisine and exciting adventures, the company produces Backpacker’s Pantry, adventure food for the outdoors; Astronaut Foods, out-of-this-world novelty treats; Chef Soraya grab-and-go plant-based meals; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com
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