Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods is an American multinational branded-food company best known for processed meats, SPAM, Jennie-O turkey products, peanut butter, nuts and prepared foods. Hormel is the principal food brand and namesake of Hormel Foods Corporation, an American producer of packaged meats, prepared foods, refrigerated products and shelf-stable meals.
Last updated October 13, 2026
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Overview
Hormel Foods Corporation is an American multinational food-processing company headquartered in Austin, Minnesota. Founded in 1891 by George A. Hormel, the business began as a small meat-packing operation and initially concentrated on ham, sausage and other pork, poultry, beef and lamb products. It gradually developed a national distribution network and became known for combining meat processing with branded, packaged products that could be stored and transported reliably. The company’s most important early product innovations included canned ham, canned chicken, Hormel Chili and SPAM. Introduced in 1937, SPAM became one of the company’s defining international brands and remains central to its identity. Hormel expanded production during the Second World War, when a substantial share of its output was purchased by the United States government. The company also developed employee profit-sharing and philanthropic institutions, including the Hormel Foundation and the Hormel Institute at the University of Minnesota. From the 1960s onward, Hormel broadened its portfolio beyond traditional shelf-stable pork. Its products came to include bacon, sausages, hams, refrigerated foods, frozen meals, poultry, deli meats, Mexican foods, peanut butter, nuts and foodservice products. The acquisition of Jennie-O Foods in 1986 and the later combination of Jennie-O with Turkey Store established a major poultry platform. Other notable additions included Skippy, Justin’s, Applegate, Columbus Craft Meats and Planters. Through MegaMex Foods, a joint venture with Herdez del Fuerte, Hormel also participates in the United States market for Mexican sauces, guacamole and prepared foods. Hormel operates through a portfolio strategy rather than relying solely on the Hormel name. Its brands include SPAM, Hormel, Jennie-O, Planters, Skippy, Applegate, Columbus Craft Meats, Dinty Moore, Chi-Chi’s, Herdez-related offerings and Wholly Guacamole. The company sells through retail, foodservice and international channels, with products available in more than 80 countries. Its business has faced the same pressures affecting large food manufacturers, including commodity-cost volatility, labor disputes, animal-welfare scrutiny, changing consumer preferences and pandemic-related plant disruptions. The company became Hormel Foods Corporation in 1993. It remains publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HRL. Its present positioning combines large-scale food manufacturing and distribution with recognizable consumer brands, convenience products and selected premium or natural-food offerings. The portfolio spans shelf-stable, refrigerated and frozen categories, allowing Hormel to serve household, institutional and restaurant customers in domestic and international markets.
History
George A. Hormel established his own meat-packing operation in Austin, Minnesota, in 1891 after working in slaughtering and trading hides, wool, eggs and poultry. The company expanded beyond its local base during the early twentieth century, opening distribution centers in several American cities. It introduced dry sausages in 1915 and used national magazine advertising to build recognition for its products. A major organizational crisis occurred in the early 1920s when an assistant controller was found to have embezzled a large amount of company money over a period of years. George Hormel’s son, Jay, returned from military service during this period and helped professionalize financial controls and management. The company continued to emphasize product development, introducing canned ham in 1926 and canned chicken in 1928. Hormel Chili appeared in 1936 and SPAM followed in 1937. SPAM’s shelf stability made it particularly useful during wartime and helped turn it into an enduring international brand. In 1933, Hormel workers conducted a successful sit-down strike, one of the notable labor actions in American meatpacking history. In 1938, Jay Hormel introduced a profit-sharing plan for employees. During the Second World War, government purchasing accounted for a large portion of Hormel production. George Hormel died in 1946. The postwar company expanded its packaged-meat range with products such as Little Sizzlers sausages and Cure 81 ham. It also developed advertising campaigns and became an early meatpacker to receive recognition from the American Humane Society for pre-slaughter animal stunning. In the 1980s, Hormel broadened into microwavable and refrigerated foods, introduced products such as microwave bacon and Sloppy Joe sauce, and acquired or licensed several consumer brands. The 1985 Austin strike was a defining labor controversy. Workers opposed a proposed wage reduction after years of wage restraint and concerns about workplace conditions. The strike lasted ten months, divided the labor movement and prompted a widely publicized boycott. Hormel nevertheless continued to diversify, acquiring Jennie-O Foods in 1986 and adding other poultry and prepared-food businesses. The corporate name changed to Hormel Foods Corporation in 1993. During the 2000s, Hormel opened the SPAM Museum, combined Jennie-O with Turkey Store, began formal corporate-responsibility reporting and created MegaMex Foods with Herdez del Fuerte. The company also faced scrutiny over animal welfare in supplier and processing operations. In response to investigations, it required additional training, oversight and auditing, and in some cases suspended purchases. Since 2010, Hormel has pursued portfolio expansion through acquisitions and divestitures. It acquired Skippy, Applegate, Justin’s, Columbus Manufacturing and Planters, while selling Clougherty Packing. It also introduced clinical-nutrition products through Hormel Health Labs and vegetarian products under Happy Little Plants. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted several facilities in 2020, while the company continued consumer engagement through digital campaigns and charitable promotions. Hormel today operates as a diversified branded-food manufacturer with retail, foodservice and international businesses.
- 2021
Planters is acquired
[1]Hormel acquired Planters and related nut businesses from Kraft Heinz.
- 2021
Planters acquisition completed
[5]Hormel Foods acquired the Planters snack-nut business from Kraft Heinz, adding a major snacking platform.
- 2021
Hormel Foods acquires the Planters snack-nut business
[11]The acquisition broadened Hormel Foods’ portfolio beyond meat and prepared foods into branded nuts and snack products.
- 2017
Hormel Foods acquires Columbus Craft Meats
[5]The acquisition broadened Hormel’s premium deli-meat and charcuterie portfolio.
- 2015
Applegate is acquired
[1]Hormel expanded into natural and organic meat products through the purchase of Applegate Farms.
- 2015
Applegate acquisition completed
[5]Hormel Foods completed its acquisition of Applegate Farms, expanding into natural and organic meat products.
- 2015
Hormel Foods acquires Applegate
[11]The acquisition expanded Hormel Foods’ presence in natural and organic meat and prepared-food categories.
- 2013
Skippy is acquired
[1]Hormel bought the Skippy peanut-butter business from Unilever.
- 2009
MegaMex Foods is formed
[1]Hormel and Herdez del Fuerte created a joint venture for Mexican-style foods in the United States.
- 2002
Jennie-O Turkey Store becomes part of Hormel Foods
[8]Hormel Foods acquired the remaining interest in Jennie-O Turkey Store, strengthening its poultry and turkey platform.
Products and positioning
A broad, branded food portfolio spanning mainstream convenience foods, processed meats, poultry, deli products, shelf-stable meals and selected premium, natural and international categories. A long-established American branded-foods company positioned around convenient packaged meals, meat and protein products, household-name food brands, and foodservice solutions. A heritage U.S. packaged-food brand centered on convenient, dependable meat and prepared-food products, with broad household and foodservice distribution.
Shelf-stable canned meat · 1937
SPAM
SPAM is Hormel’s shelf-stable canned luncheon-meat brand, introduced in 1937. Its portability and long storage life supported widespread use during wartime and helped it develop a strong presence in markets beyond the United States. The brand is sold in multiple varieties and is used in sandwiches, rice dishes and other prepared meals. Introduced in 1937, SPAM is a canned pork-and-ham product sold in multiple varieties and markets. Its long shelf life, portability and simple preparation made it a major convenience food, while international distribution gave it a distinctive place in cuisines and popular culture. SPAM is a separate Hormel Foods brand of canned cooked luncheon meat introduced in 1937. It is sold in multiple varieties and is used in sandwiches, rice dishes, breakfasts, snacks, and recipes. Its long shelf life and international distribution have made it one of the most recognizable products in the Hormel Foods portfolio.
Processed meat
Hormel Bacon
Hormel’s bacon range is part of the company’s core refrigerated-meat business. Products are sold through retail and foodservice channels in forms intended for household cooking, restaurant preparation and prepared-food applications. Hormel’s bacon offerings include conventional and specialty bacon products sold through retail and foodservice channels. The range is associated with breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and recipe use. Product formats and sub-lines vary by market and distribution channel.
Canned prepared foods · 1936
Hormel Chili
Hormel Chili is a shelf-stable prepared-food line offered in multiple formulations. It extends the Hormel name beyond individual cuts of meat into ready-to-heat meal components and pantry convenience products. Hormel Chili is a canned, shelf-stable prepared-food line sold in several recipes and heat levels. It is designed for direct serving or use as an ingredient in dishes such as chili-based meals, dips, hot dogs, and nachos. The line represents Hormel’s long-standing position in convenient pantry foods.
Turkey and poultry
Jennie-O
Jennie-O is Hormel’s principal turkey brand. Its products include ground turkey, turkey sausages, deli items, burgers, whole birds and other fresh or prepared turkey products for retail and foodservice customers. Jennie-O is Hormel Foods’ principal turkey brand and includes fresh and frozen turkey, ground turkey, deli products, sausages and other prepared turkey foods. It gives the company a substantial poultry presence alongside its pork and mixed-protein businesses.
Nuts and snacks · 1906
Planters
Planters is a major snack-nut brand acquired by Hormel Foods in 2021. Its portfolio includes packaged nuts and related snack products and gives Hormel a high-profile platform in the broader snacking category.
Peanut butter · 1933
Skippy
Skippy is a peanut-butter brand acquired by Hormel from Unilever in 2013. It has a substantial presence in the United States and China and expanded Hormel’s consumer-food portfolio into spreads.
Natural and organic meat · 1987
Applegate
Applegate offers natural and organic meat products, including deli meats, poultry, sausages and related refrigerated foods. Hormel acquired the business to strengthen its position in segments emphasizing ingredient standards and differentiated sourcing. Applegate offers natural and organic meat and poultry products, including deli meats, sausages, bacon and frozen items. The brand addresses consumers seeking ingredient, sourcing and production attributes distinct from conventional processed-meat products.
Deli meats
Columbus Craft Meats
Columbus Craft Meats is a deli-meat business known for premium-style salami, charcuterie and other specialty refrigerated products. Hormel acquired Columbus Manufacturing in 2017.
Plant-based foods · 2019
Happy Little Plants
Happy Little Plants was introduced in 2019 as a vegetarian meat-alternative line for retail and foodservice customers, reflecting Hormel’s response to interest in plant-based eating.
Clinical nutrition · 2015
Hormel Vital Cuisine
Hormel Vital Cuisine was developed through Hormel Health Labs for people with cancer-related nutritional needs. The range included ready-to-eat meals, nutrition shakes and whey-protein products intended for home delivery.
Shelf-stable prepared meals
Hormel Compleats
Hormel Compleats consists of convenient prepared meals designed for heating and serving with minimal preparation. The line reflects Hormel Foods’ emphasis on portioned, accessible meals for retail consumers. Compleats is a convenience-meal line offering shelf-stable, heat-and-eat entrees. The products are designed for individual servings and quick preparation, targeting consumers seeking an easy meal without extensive cooking.
Refrigerated deli meat
Hormel Deli Meats
Hormel-branded deli products include sliced and packaged meats used for sandwiches, lunches, snacks, and entertaining. Depending on the market, the portfolio may include ham, turkey, chicken, roast beef, salami, and related luncheon-meat products.
Controversies
2021
HIP files patent ownership suit against Hormel
HIP, Inc. filed a complaint against Hormel Foods Corporation seeking to correct the inventorship and ownership record for a patent covering a hybrid bacon cooking system. HIP alleged that Hormel was erroneously listed as the patent owner; the filing reports allegations, not a court determination.
2017
Animal-welfare allegations involving a pork supplier
Mercy For Animals released footage alleging painful procedures without anesthetic and inadequate care at a Hormel supplier. Hormel temporarily suspended purchases from the supplier.
2015
Animal-welfare allegations at a processing facility
An undercover investigation alleged mistreatment and poor conditions involving pigs at a Quality Pork Processors facility. Hormel announced additional humane-handling officers, training, oversight and third-party auditing.
2008
Animal-abuse allegations at an Iowa supplier farm
PETA released video alleging abuse of pigs at an Iowa factory farm connected to Hormel’s supply chain. Several workers were fired and six people faced charges, while Hormel described the conduct as unacceptable.
1986
Austin plant labor dispute
A strike by workers at Hormel’s Austin, Minnesota, plant during the 1980s became a prominent U.S. labor-relations controversy. The dispute involved wage and contract issues, the company’s use of replacement workers, union divisions, and the broader effects of restructuring in the meatpacking industry.
1985
Austin labor strike and boycott
Hormel workers struck over a proposed wage reduction and workplace concerns. The dispute lasted about ten months and divided the union movement while prompting a national consumer boycott.
1921
Embezzlement by an assistant controller
An assistant controller was found to have embezzled approximately $1.187 million over a decade. The episode encouraged the Hormel family to strengthen financial controls and professionalize management.
Marketing campaigns
- 2020World’s largest virtual pizza party
United States · Online
Hormel hosted a Zoom-based pizza event during the pandemic. More than 3,000 people participated and 907 qualifying photographs were submitted for the record attempt.
Outcome. Created a digital brand-engagement event during the pandemic.
- 1985Hormel consumer boycott
United States
During the Austin labor dispute, unions and supporters organized a widely publicized boycott of Hormel products. The campaign became one of the most visible consumer responses to a meatpacking strike in the 1980s.
Outcome. Generated national attention during the ten-month strike.
- 1930George Burns and Gracie Allen radio advertising
United States
Hormel products were promoted through advertising associated with The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, helping connect the company’s packaged foods with mass-audience radio entertainment.
Outcome. Expanded national brand visibility.
Brand decisions
2021
Acquire PlantersM&ABackground
Hormel sought to expand its shelf-stable snack and nut businesses and diversify beyond meat and refrigerated foods.
Action taken
Hormel acquired Planters and related nut businesses, including Cheez Balls and Cheez Curls, from Kraft Heinz.
Aftermath
The acquisition substantially increased Hormel’s presence in packaged nuts and snacks.
Purchase price. 3.35 billion USD (2021)
2021
Acquisition of the Planters snack-nut businessM&ABackground
Hormel Foods pursued greater exposure to branded snacks and sought to diversify beyond meat and refrigerated foods. Hormel Foods pursued portfolio diversification and a larger position in snacking and nuts.
Action taken
Hormel Foods acquired the Planters, Cheez Balls, and Cheez Curls businesses from Kraft Heinz.
Aftermath
The acquisition expanded Hormel’s consumer-snacking portfolio and added a major nationally distributed brand. The acquisition added a major snack platform to Hormel Foods and reduced the company’s reliance on meat and refrigerated foods alone.
Purchase price. (2021)
2015
Acquire Applegate FarmsM&ABackground
Consumer demand for natural and organic meat products was increasing.
Action taken
Hormel announced the acquisition of Applegate Farms and retained it as a distinct brand within its portfolio.
Aftermath
The transaction broadened Hormel’s presence in differentiated meat categories.
Purchase price. Approximately 775 million USD (2015)
2015
Acquisition of ApplegateM&ABackground
Hormel Foods sought to expand in natural and organic meat, a segment with different consumer expectations from conventional packaged meat.
Action taken
Hormel Foods acquired Applegate Farms and retained it as a distinct brand within its portfolio.
Aftermath
The transaction added natural and organic meat products to Hormel’s branded-food platform. The transaction gave Hormel Foods a stronger position in natural and organic refrigerated foods while allowing Applegate to continue operating as a distinct brand.
2013
Acquire SkippyM&ABackground
Hormel pursued growth in branded spreads and international consumer foods.
Action taken
Hormel acquired Skippy from Unilever, including production facilities in the United States and China.
Aftermath
Skippy added a significant peanut-butter business to Hormel’s portfolio.
Purchase price. 700 million USD (2013)
2009
Form MegaMex FoodsM&ABackground
Hormel wanted a stronger position in Mexican-style foods in the United States.
Action taken
Hormel formed a joint venture with Herdez del Fuerte to manufacture, market and distribute Mexican foods.
Aftermath
The venture expanded through brands and acquisitions including Don Miguel, Fresherized Foods and Wholly Guacamole.
1986
Acquire Jennie-O FoodsM&ABackground
Hormel sought to expand beyond traditional pork products and strengthen its poultry platform.
Action taken
Hormel acquired Jennie-O Foods and later combined it with Turkey Store.
Aftermath
Jennie-O became a major Hormel turkey and poultry business.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Hormel Foods to buy Brakebush in deal valued at $1.06 billion[16]
Reported:
Reuters reported that Hormel Foods will buy Brakebush in a deal valued at $1.06 billion.
Hormel Foods appoints Ash Bhumbla as EVP and CFO[17]
Hormel Foods Corporation appointed Ash Bhumbla as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective 8 September. Bhumbla succeeds Paul Kuehneman, who had served as interim CFO since October 2025 and will remain a senior leader in the finance organization.
Hormel Foods signs five-year pork supply agreement[18]
Reported:
Hormel Foods said it had signed a new five-year raw-material supply agreement with its supplier in Fremont, Nebraska. The agreement is to take effect at the start of calendar year 2022 and will reduce the supply of commodity fresh pork.
Hormel Foods issues fiscal 2022 outlook[18]
Reported:
Hormel Foods issued fiscal 2022 guidance, projecting net sales of $11.7 billion to $12.5 billion and diluted earnings per share of $1.87 to $2.03.
HIP files patent ownership suit against Hormel[15]
Reported:
HIP, Inc. filed a complaint against Hormel Foods Corporation seeking to correct the inventorship and ownership record for a patent covering a hybrid bacon cooking system. HIP alleged that Hormel was erroneously listed as the patent owner; the filing reports allegations, not a court determination.
Hormel Foods appoints Jacinth Smiley to lead corporate strategy[19]
Reported:
Hormel Foods announced Jacinth Smiley's appointment as group vice president of corporate strategy. She will report to chairman, president and CEO Jim Snee and replace Jim Splinter, who retired the previous year.
- Unconfirmed
Hy-Vee and Hormel Foods partner on ham giveaway[20]
Hy-Vee and Hormel Foods are partnering on the Hams for the Holidays initiative, which is scheduled to distribute 5,000 Hormel hams to families in need across Hy-Vee’s eight-state region at 14 events from March 24 to 31.
Hormel acquires Planters[21]
Reported:
The article reports that Hormel Foods acquired Planters for $3.35 billion after Kraft Heinz agreed to sell the brand.
Hormel announces planned acquisition of Planters[22]
Reported:
Hormel Foods announced that it would acquire the Planters snack brand for $3.35 billion in cash. The announced acquisition also includes NUT-rition, Planters Cheez Balls and Corn Nuts; the sale was slated to take place in the first half of the year.
Hormel Foods announces Mark Coffey’s planned advancement[23]
Reported:
Hormel Foods announced that Mark Coffey will advance to group vice president of supply chain and lead the company’s global supply chain. The source does not state when he will assume the role.
Showing the 10 most recent.
Sources27 sources
- 1Hormel Foodsen.wikipedia.org
- 2Hormel Foods Corporation official websitehormelfoods.com
- 3Hormel Foods company historyhormelfoods.com
- 4Hormel Foods leadershiphormelfoods.com
- 5Hormel Foods investor news and releasesinvestor.hormelfoods.com
- 6SPAM brand official websitespam.com
- 7United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service recallsfsis.usda.gov
- 8Hormel Foods historyhormelfoods.com
- 9Hormel Foods company overviewhormelfoods.com
- 10SPAM brand history and factsspam.com
- 11Hormel Foods newsroom and press releaseshormelfoods.com
- 12Hormel Foods investor relationsinvestor.hormel.com
- 13https://www.hormel.com/hormel.com
- 14SPAM launchedspam.com
- 15HIP files patent ownership suit against Hormellawstreetmedia.com
- 16荷美尔食品拟以10.6亿美元收购Brakebushnews.google.com
- 17荷美尔食品任命Ash Bhumbla为执行副总裁兼首席财务官foodbev.com
- 18Hormel Foods签署五年猪肉供应协议prnewswire.com
- 19Hormel Foods任命Jacinth Smiley负责企业战略prnewswire.com
- 20Hy-Vee与Hormel Foods合作赠送火腿kfab.iheart.com
- 21Hormel 收购 Planterseconotimes.com
- 22Hormel 宣布计划收购 Plantersnydailynews.com
- 23Hormel Foods宣布Mark Coffey计划晋升prnewswire.com
- 24Hormel开设Papillion干香肠工厂powderbulksolids.com
- 25Hormel因新冠疫情关闭Rochelle Foods和Alma Foods工厂en.yibada.com
- 26Hormel Foods公布第一季度业绩finanznachrichten.de
- 27Hormel Foods Announces Definitive Agreement To Acquire Brakebush, A Leading Value-Added Chicken Company - PR Newswirenews.google.com
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