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We create leading brands and products, improve food and worker safety, and focus on the future of the food industry.

Originate, don’t imitate.

George A. Hormel

For more than 130 years, innovation has been part of our DNA. To ensure our continued success, mission-driven innovation must be Our Way Forward.

Yet, innovation doesn’t just happen. We have an inspired team of innovation leaders charged with organizing and advancing our efforts. A tremendous amount of innovation happens here everyday.

And that’s just the beginning; each of us has a role to play in moving our uncommon company forward even faster. From thinking of ways to streamline our processes, to improving supply chain operations, to introducing new lines of products – This is The Originate Initiative.

Insights Led, Data Driven

Our innovation practices are unique.

What makes us distinct is our competitive advantage. We use our partnerships and broad industry connections to create category leading brands and utilize best in class practices and technologies. When we develop products internally, we draw from a remarkable braintrust of partners, customers, suppliers and world class experts for both ideation and execution.

Stories
Meet the Innovators: Kathie Sheldon
Kathie Sheldon joined Hormel Foods in 1988 and has been in product development for the past 28 years, the last seven as director of product development R&D.
Watch the Interview

Innovation is not a department, it is our philosophy.

Jim Snee, Chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer

Forging New Paths

We innovate across all facets of business.

The ability to marshal deep industry experience is what makes Hormel Foods an innovation powerhouse. We use this power not only in the creation of brands and products but in all areas of the operation to create delicious, accessible food while improving safety, reducing impacts on the environment, and supporting our inspired team.

Stories
All Ideas Are Welcome
Fostering a culture of open innovation at Hormel Foods: encouraging every voice, from the production floor to the c-suite.
Explore Innovation
Stories
Investing in the Next Generation
Hormel Foods finds innovative ways to benefit team members and their families.
Explore our Benefits
Stories
A Dawning Renaissance in School Cafeterias
Innovations in school foodservice: Transforming the K-12 market
Explore School Lunch
Explore our leading efforts, industry insights, emerging trends and more
All Stories

Innovation from Across the Globe

Previous
Press Release
Innovation
Applegate Farms, LLC Continues its Growth in the Breakfast Category with APPLEGATE NATURALS® Pancake & Sausage Stick
With this expansion, Applegate becomes the first company to offer a nationally available Applegate humanely raised* pancake on a stick
Press Release
Innovation
Makers of COLUMBUS® Craft Meats Launch New Products to Elevate Holiday Entertaining
Company releases two new Charcuterie Trios, Craft Nuts and Tasting Board; reintroduces fan-favorite Secchi Salami at various retailers nationwide
Press Release
Innovation
The Makers of HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon Introduce OVEN READY™ Thick Cut Bacon
A first-of-its-kind convenience product, patent-pending OVEN READY™ Thick Cut Bacon allows for effortless bacon preparation
News
Brands
How Two Minnesota Companies Teamed Up to Create Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bacon
General Mills and Hormel Foods embarked on an uncommon partnership with a sweet-and-savory goal in mind: to meld a top-selling breakfast cereal with a…
Press Release
Brands
The Makers of the SPAM® Brand Bring the Heat with the New SPAM® Gochujang Flavored Variety
The popularity of Korean cuisine continues to drive new flavor innovation
Next
All News

The Future of The Food Industry

We’re leading the food industry across foodservice, retail, cutting edge technologies and science.

Food-forward thinking and right-time adoption of new technologies enables continuous progress across the global company.

Stories
Refreshing Legacy Brands
Hormel Foods keeps heritage products relevant for today’s consumers through form innovation.
Explore Innovation
Stories
From Seoul to Supermarkets
South Korea is amplifying its cultural influence on the global stage and onto our plates
Explore The Trend
Stories
Revolutionizing Food Innovation with AI
Technological advances are both here and on the way, and they can be harnessed by innovative thinkers.
The AI-Powered Now
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