Hormel Foods Corporation, originally founded as George A. Hormel & Company, has a rich history dating back to 1891 when George A. Hormel established the company in Austin, Minnesota17. The company's journey began with a focus on packaging and selling pork products, but it has since evolved into a multinational food processing corporation.
George Hormel, born in 1860 in Buffalo, New York, worked in various roles in the meat industry before settling in Austin, Minnesota1. In 1887, he borrowed $500 to open a meat market with partner Albrecht Friedrich7. After dissolving this partnership in 1891, Hormel used the proceeds to establish his own packinghouse, Geo. A. Hormel & Company17.
In the early 1900s, Hormel expanded its distribution centers across the United States and began advertising in national magazines1. The company was officially incorporated in 19013.
The 1920s and 1930s saw significant developments for Hormel:
1926: Introduction of Hormel Flavor-Sealed Ham, America's first canned ham13
1935: Launch of Dinty Moore beef stew3
1937: Introduction of SPAM, which would become an iconic product13
During World War II, Hormel's production increased dramatically, with 65% of its products purchased by the U.S. government by 19451.
Under new leadership, Hormel shifted focus from high-volume production to market-driven, innovative products5. The company expanded its international presence, built new facilities, and introduced products like Hormel Little Sizzlers pork sausage and Hormel Cure 81 hams5.
In 1973, Hormel became the first meatpacking company to include nutritional labels on meat products5.
In 1993, the company changed its name to Hormel Foods Corporation to reflect its diverse product range13. Hormel has continued to grow through acquisitions and international expansion, surpassing $3 billion in revenue for the first time in fiscal 19943.
Today, Hormel Foods is a global brand offering a wide range of packaged and refrigerated foods, with products available in over 80 countries worldwide1.