About Us
Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods is an American global branded food company headquartered in Austin, Minnesota. Founded in 1891 by George A. Hormel, the company has grown from a small family business into a global food company with a diverse portfolio of trusted brands and products sold around the world.
For more than 135 years, Hormel Foods has focused on innovation, quality and integrity while developing food products that bring convenience, flavor and value to consumers. Today, the company has more than 18,000 employees worldwide and its products are available in markets across the globe.
Our History
Hormel Foods began in 1891 when George A. Hormel established Geo. A. Hormel & Co. in Austin, Minnesota. From its early focus on fresh pork products, the company continued to expand through innovation, new products and changing consumer needs.
Throughout its history, Hormel Foods has introduced several products that became household names. These include HORMEL® Chili, Dinty Moore® beef stew and SPAM® luncheon meat, which helped establish the company as an innovative food manufacturer.
In 1993, the company officially changed its name from Geo. A. Hormel & Co. to Hormel Foods Corporation, reflecting its expanding presence across the food industry.
Our Food Products
Hormel Foods produces and markets a wide range of branded food and meat products. Its portfolio includes prepared foods, meat products, snacks, deli foods, peanut butter, sausages, bacon, turkey products and other convenient food solutions.
The company serves consumers through retail grocery channels while also supplying foodservice customers, restaurants and other food businesses.
Its broad portfolio enables Hormel Foods to serve different consumer preferences, eating occasions and markets with products ranging from everyday meal ingredients to convenient ready-to-eat foods.
Our Brands
Hormel Foods has built a diverse family of well-known food brands. Its portfolio includes SPAM®, SKIPPY®, HORMEL®, Planters®, Applegate®, Columbus®, Jennie-O®, Natural Choice®, Hormel Black Label®, Wholly® and many other brands.
More than 40 Hormel Foods brands hold a No. 1 or No. 2 position in their respective product categories, demonstrating the strength and recognition of the company’s brands.
Through these brands, Hormel Foods offers consumers products designed around flavor, convenience, nutrition and quality.
Innovation and Quality
Innovation has been central to Hormel Foods since its founding. The company continues to develop new food products and solutions while building on its long history of food manufacturing expertise.
Hormel Foods emphasizes quality, food safety and integrity throughout its operations. Its approach combines consumer insights, food innovation and manufacturing capabilities to create products that meet changing consumer expectations.
The company’s philosophy is influenced by the founding principle of “Originate, don’t imitate,” encouraging its teams to explore new ideas and create what comes next in food.
A Global Food Company
Although Hormel Foods has deep roots in the United States, its business has expanded internationally over many decades. Hormel Foods began exporting products outside the United States more than a century ago, while its international business was formally established in 1967.
Today, Hormel Foods products are sold in countries around the world, including markets such as Australia, China, Japan, the Philippines and South Korea. Its international operations use exports, subsidiaries, joint ventures, licensees and other partnerships to serve global consumers.
Our Family of Companies
Hormel Foods has expanded its capabilities through a family of companies and strategic partnerships. Its wholly owned businesses include companies such as Applegate Farms, Columbus Manufacturing, Fontanini Italian Meats, Jennie-O Turkey Store and Sadler’s Smokehouse.
The company also participates in joint ventures, including MegaMex Foods, which provides Mexican food products and ingredients in the United States.
This diverse business structure allows Hormel Foods to bring together different food categories, culinary traditions and areas of expertise.
Our Purpose
Hormel Foods’ purpose is “Fueling every day with real food for real life.” Its mission is to create trusted, protein-powered solutions that nourish people and strengthen communities.
The company builds its culture around values that include earning trust, working as one team, taking ownership, doing the right thing and originating what comes next.
Our Commitment to Communities and the Planet
Hormel Foods believes that responsible business extends beyond producing and selling food. The company works to make a positive difference for its employees, consumers, customers, shareholders and the communities where it operates.
Its responsibility efforts include initiatives focused on people, communities and the environment. Hormel Foods describes this approach as “Better Us, Better World,” reflecting its commitment to responsible business practices and long-term positive impact.
Looking to the Future
With more than a century of experience, a strong portfolio of recognized brands and a global presence, Hormel Foods continues to evolve with the food industry.
From its beginnings in Austin, Minnesota, to its position as a global branded food company, Hormel Foods remains focused on combining food innovation, quality and trusted brands to serve consumers around the world.
Its long-term ambition is to continue building on its heritage while developing new products, expanding its global reach and creating food solutions for modern consumers.