Fusion Jerky: Where Asian Tradition Meets American Craft in South San Francisco
Tucked into a low-profile industrial building at 405 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080-6909, Fusion Jerky might not look like the headquarters of a gourmet snack revolution from the outside. But step inside this unassuming Bay Area address, and you'll find the nerve center of one of the most exciting artisan jerky brands in America—a company that took a 50-year-old family recipe and turned it into something entirely new.
From a Family Kitchen to the Top of Kilimanjaro
Fusion Jerky was founded in 2014 by KaiYen Mai, a San Francisco-based entrepreneur with a story as bold as her flavors. Born into a family with nearly 50 years of Asian jerky-making tradition, Mai grew up around the vibrant, colorful jerky culture of Asia—where the snack is enjoyed by men, women, and children alike, not just as a "manly" road-trip staple.
The spark that lit the fuse? A climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. Mai realized that the protein snacks available for serious outdoor adventures were either bland, tough, or loaded with preservatives. She set out to create something better: a jerky that was tender, flavorful, and clean enough to fuel a mountain ascent.
After more than a year of testing 30 different flavor profiles, she narrowed it down to the final lineup and built a state-of-the-art USDA facility on her ranch in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where every batch is still handcrafted today.
What Makes Fusion Jerky Different
If your idea of jerky is a leathery strip of beef that requires dental insurance to chew, Fusion Jerky will change your mind completely.
Tender, Not Tough. The meat is more moist and tender than traditional jerky. As one reviewer put it: "Most tender cut of jerky I have ever had."
Clean Ingredients. No preservatives. No MSG. No added nitrites. Gluten-free. And lower in sodium than most national brands. The shelf life is about a year from production—shorter than the two-year lifespan of preservative-packed competitors, but that's the trade-off for freshness.
Asian Flavors, American Meat. Every batch starts with 100% American-sourced beef, pork, turkey, or chicken, then gets marinated for up to 24 hours in house-made seasonings inspired by Asian and global cuisine.
The Flavor Lineup
Fusion Jerky's menu reads like a passport stamp collection:
- Japanese BBQ – Marinated in soy sauce, salted mirin, and sesame oil. Rich, savory umami in every bite.
- Grilled Island Teriyaki – Sweet pineapple notes balanced with classic teriyaki. The pork version won a Top Gold award at the 1st Annual Artisan Jerky Awards.
- Basil Citrus – Bright, vibrant, and palate-pleasing. A favorite among fans who want something fresh and herbaceous.
- Chipotle Lime – Smoky heat meets zesty lime. Also an award winner.
- Cracked Pepper – Bold, straightforward, and craveable.
- Sweet Beef – Balanced sweetness for those who like their jerky on the milder side.
- Original Hickory – Classic smoky depth, minimally processed.
- Sweet Heat – The perfect marriage of sugar and spice.
Packaging That Pops
Walk down the jerky aisle of any grocery store, and you'll notice most bags look like they were designed in a saloon in 1887—dark, rugged, and aggressively masculine. Fusion Jerky took a different path.
Mai's bags are colorful, modern, and aesthetically pleasing—think hot pink for Sweet Beef, electric orange for Japanese BBQ, and sky blue for Island Teriyaki. The design appeals to women as much as men, reflecting the founder's belief that great jerky shouldn't be gendered. Even the ingredient names on the packaging are arranged to form letters—a clever design twist that makes the bags as fun to look at as they are to open.
Awards and Recognition
Fusion Jerky didn't just disrupt the category—it earned the industry's respect. At the 1st Annual Artisan Jerky Awards, the brand took home Top Overall Gold honors alongside heavyweights like Patagonia Provisions and Jim's Jarhead Jerky. The Island Teriyaki Pork Jerky won for Best Flavor, while Basil Citrus Chicken and Chipotle Lime Beef also scored in the flavor category.
The brand has since expanded into major retailers including Target and specialty jerky shops across the country, while maintaining its small-batch, handcrafted ethos.
The South San Francisco Connection
While production happens in Nebraska, 405 S Airport Blvd serves as Fusion Jerky's Bay Area hub—a strategic location near San Francisco International Airport that keeps the brand connected to its Northern California roots. The address sits in South San Francisco's East Side industrial corridor, a neighborhood shared with biotech labs, logistics companies, and other food innovators.
For locals, it's a reminder that some of the most exciting food brands in America don't come from glossy downtown offices. They come from industrial parks where founders are busy shipping boxes, answering emails, and dreaming up the next flavor that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about jerky.
Plan Your Visit
Fusion Jerky is located at 405 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080-6909. While it's primarily a warehouse and distribution facility rather than a retail storefront, you can order directly from fusionjerky.com and find their products at select retailers nationwide.
Whether you're fueling a hike, stocking your desk drawer, or just looking for a protein-packed snack that actually tastes good, Fusion Jerky delivers something rare: a product that honors a half-century of family tradition while tasting unmistakably modern.
Fusion Jerky | 405 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080-6909 | fusionjerky.com
