Hormel Foods
American food processing company known for SPAM, Skippy, Jennie-O, and other branded food products.
Company Type
public
Founded
1891
Headquarters
Austin, Minnesota, USA
Stock
NYSE: HRL
Revenue
approximately $11.9 billion (FY2025)
Employees
Approximately 20,000
Primary Market
Global
About Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods operates through four main business segments: Retail, Foodservice, Jennie-O Turkey Store, and International. The Retail segment sells products through grocery stores and other retail channels, while the Foodservice segment serves restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice establishments.
The Jennie-O Turkey Store segment operates retail stores and direct-to-consumer channels focused on turkey products, while the International segment manages the company's operations outside the United States. This diversified business model provides Hormel with multiple revenue streams and market channels.
Hormel's product portfolio includes iconic brands that have become household names in American households. SPAM remains the company's most famous product, while other brands like Skippy peanut butter, Jennie-O turkey products, and Planters nuts have strong market positions in their respective categories.
History of Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods was founded in 1891 by George A. Hormel in Austin, Minnesota. The company initially focused on processing pork products and gradually expanded its product lines and geographic reach. Hormel became publicly traded in 1928, providing capital for expansion and modernization of its processing facilities.
The company's breakthrough product came in 1937 with the introduction of SPAM, a canned pork product that became an American icon and provided crucial sustenance during World War II. SPAM's success established Hormel as a major player in the American food industry and created a brand that remains popular globally today.
Throughout the 20th century, Hormel expanded through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The company entered the turkey business with the acquisition of Jennie-O in 1986, expanded into peanut butter with the Skippy acquisition in 2013, and entered the natural and organic meats market with the acquisition of Applegate in 2015.
In recent years, Hormel has focused on developing value-added products and expanding its presence in the natural and organic foods segment. The company has invested in modernizing its production facilities and developing new products that meet changing consumer preferences for healthier and more convenient food options.
Brands Owned by Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods owns 1 brand in our database.
Stock Information
Hormel Foods Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +S&P 500 inclusion provides visibility and access to capital markets
- +Strong brand portfolio with iconic products like SPAM and Skippy
- +Diversified business segments reduce dependence on any single market channel
- +Consistent dividend growth demonstrates financial stability
- +Expansion into natural and organic products aligns with consumer trends
Considerations
- -Commodity price volatility affects raw material costs and margins
- -Intense competition in all food product categories from both large and small companies
- -Changing consumer preferences require continuous product innovation
- -International operations expose company to currency and regulatory risks
- -Dependence on retail channel partners for distribution
Frequently Asked Questions About Hormel Foods
Is Hormel Foods publicly traded?
Yes, Hormel Foods trades on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker HRL and is included in the S&P 500 index. The company is widely held by institutional and individual investors.
Who founded Hormel Foods?
Hormel Foods was founded in 1891 by George A. Hormel in Austin, Minnesota. The Hormel family no longer holds a controlling stake but maintains some historical connection to the company.
What is Hormel's annual revenue?
Hormel Foods reported net sales of $12.1 billion in fiscal year 2025, with growth driven by its value-added product portfolio.
Does Hormel own SPAM?
Yes, SPAM is Hormel's most iconic and historically significant product. The canned pork product was introduced in 1937 and remains popular globally, particularly in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific regions.
What other brands does Hormel own?
Hormel owns Skippy peanut butter, Jennie-O turkey products, Planters nuts, Applegate natural meats, and many other food brands across multiple categories.
Jobs at Hormel Foods
Latest News About Hormel Foods
Related Articles About Hormel Foods
View more articles
News & Updates
Monthly M&A Roundup: March 2026 Brand Ownership Changes
Unilever exits food with a $44.8B McCormick deal, KDP closes its $18B JDE Peet's acquisition, and Estee Lauder opens merger talks with Puig. Every major brand ownership shift in March 2026.
Who Brands StaffApr 1, 2026
m-and-a-roundupacquisitionsnews
Industry Analysis
Who Owns the Razor and Shaving Market
Gillette dominates with P&G's backing. Schick and Wilkinson Sword belong to Edgewell. Harry's stayed independent after the FTC blocked its sale. Here is who owns every major razor brand in 2026.
Who Brands StaffMar 22, 2026
razor-marketshavinggillette
Industry Analysis
Who Owns the Paint Industry
Sherwin-Williams, PPG, AkzoNobel, and BASF Coatings dominate the global paint and coatings market. Here is who owns every major paint brand and how the industry is structured in 2026.
Who Brands StaffMar 22, 2026
paint-industrycoatingssherwin-williams