Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators
Nearly a century after introducing America’s first canned ham, Hormel Foods continues to follow the dictate of its founder: “Originate. Don’t imitate.” The company has established three new innovation centers in China, Chicago, and Willmar, Minnesota, and launched Inspired Pathways to increase enrollment and offer community college scholarships to students. Read more.
Sun-Powered Snacking
The sun shines more than 270 days of the year in Fresno, Calif., home of the Corn Nuts® brand roasting and packaging facility. That sunshine, combined with the rich alluvial soil of the San Joaquin River valley, makes for a great place to grow the Peruvian Cusco hybrid corn that creates those distinctive extra-large kernels. But the farmers aren’t the only ones who employ energy from the sun. Thanks to visionary managers, those sunny days now power nearly all of the Corn Nuts® facility’s activity — even after the sun goes down. Read more.
When Less Is More: Providing safe and sustainable packaging solutions
The sun shines more than 270 days of the year in Fresno, Calif., home of the Corn Nuts® brand roasting and packaging facility. That sunshine, combined with the rich alluvial soil of the San Joaquin River valley, makes for a great place to grow the Peruvian Cusco hybrid corn that creates those distinctive extra-large kernels. But the farmers aren’t the only ones who employ energy from the sun. Thanks to visionary managers, those sunny days now power nearly all of the Corn Nuts® facility’s activity — even after the sun goes down. Read more.
Innovative Cashew Snacks: PLANTERS® Brand Unveils 3 New Flavor-Forward Varieties
Rosemary and Sea Salt, Cinnamon Brown Sugar and Dill Pickle
Just in time for summer, the makers of the Planters® snack nuts brand are introducing a trio of ingenious twists on an American classic. Now available in select retail stores nationwide are three new flavors of Planters® world-famous cashews, each as delicious as the next. Read more.
The Speed of Innovation – Hormel Foods Builds Four Centers for Innovation
Over the last two years, the company has opened four new centers dedicated to the creation of new brands, products and processes. Two of these centers are in the company’s home state of Minnesota, one is in Chicago, and the other is in Jiaxing, China. These centers are proving instrumental to the company’s ability to launch hundreds of new retail and foodservice offerings each year. Read more.