Hormel Foods International Corporation Overview

Hormel Foods Corporation began exporting products as early as 1917.  This international business accounted for approximately one-third of the company's sales volume.  In 1967, Hormel Foods International Corporation (HFIC) was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation.  (Today, it has unconsolidated sales of $1.6 billion and consolidated sales of $100 million.  HFIC has 6 joint ventures, 4 licensees, and a wholly-owned subsidiary.) The division's mission is "to create measurable value for our consumers, customers, and partners so we will generate substantial topside growth and enhance our profitability."  HFIC's objective is to work with our partners to profitably bring our consumers good food and good value through new product development, new distribution channels, and collaborating with multinational customers.

HFIC conducts business through joint ventures, licensees, equity investments, subsidiaries, and direct sales.  Our business is divided geographically as follows: Americas, Asia-Pacific, China, and Europe.

Australia

In 1995, Hormel Foods set up a joint venture with KR Darling Downs Bacon.  In April 2002, Hormel Foods Australia was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of HFIC.  This operation is headquartered in Sydney and coordinates the sales, marketing, and distribution of Hormel Foods' products in Australia and New Zealand. Products sold in these markets include SPAM® Spiced Ham, STAGG® Chili, KID'S KITCHEN® Microwave Meals, and HORMEL® Microwave Meals.

China

Beijing Hormel Foods Co. Ltd. (BHFC) began in 1994 with Beijing General Corporation of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce as a joint venture partner.  BHFC opened a state-of-the-art plant in 1998 for the slaughtering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and distribution of chilled processed meat products and convenience foods.  Hormel Foods maintains a majority interest in this joint venture.

The following year, Hormel Foods established a joint venture with Da-Chang Further Processing Meat Company to form Shanghai Hormel Foods Co. Ltd.  This company manufactures, sells, markets, and distributes chilled processed meats for sale in the Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen regions of China.  HFIC holds a majority interest in this joint venture.  The plant in Shanghai opened in 1997.  SHFC was named one of the 10 best employers in China and one of 20 best in Asia in 2001.

Europe

In 1998, Hormel Foods began a license agreement with Tulip Ltd., a subsidiary of Danish Crown, based in Denmark.  The agreement allows for the manufacturing, sales, marketing, and distribution of SPAM® Chopped Ham and Pork and STAGG® Chili in the United Kingdom.  SPAM® Chopped Ham and Pork and STAGG® Chili have the number one market share in their respective categories in the United Kingdom.

Japan

Hormel Foods' oldest joint venture is with Ryukyu Feed Mill located in Okinawa, Japan.  Okinawa Hormel Ltd. was established in 1969, and Hormel Foods holds a minority position in the company.  The agreement is for manufacturing, importing, sales, marketing, and distribution of shelf-stable and refrigerated meat products for the retail market in Okinawa.  Okinawa Hormel Ltd. produces such items as SPAM® luncheon meat, HORMEL® Vienna Sausage, DINTY MOORE® Beef Stew, MARY KITCHEN® Corned Beef Hash, HORMEL® All Meat Wieners, HORMEL® Corned Pork Hash, HORMEL® Bacon, and CUREMASTER® Ham.

Mexico

Hormel Alimentos was established in 1995 as a joint venture with Herdez S.A. de C.V.  This company imports various canned meats from the U.S. for sale throughout Mexico. Products being distributed include: SPAM® Family of Products, SPAM® Spreads, HORMEL® Chili, and HORMEL® Corned Beef Hash.

Panama

A license agreement was signed in 1987 with Blue Ribbon Products, S.A. for the manufacturing, sales, marketing, and distribution of chilled meat products in Panama.  The agreement is for the production of over 50 refrigerated products including franks, bacon, ham, and turkey items.

Hormel Foods enjoys a strong reputation in Panama. Our current Poultry Line of Products, as well as our Hams, Pepperoni and BLACK LABEL® Bacon are gaining market share on each of their respective categories. Additionally, JENNIE-O TURKEY STORE has become a leading brand in the very dynamic segment of Turkey Products. Each year we introduce more and more new products, building in our mission to provide the best value added products to our Panamanian customers.

Philippines

Purefoods-Hormel Company, located in Manila, Philippines, was created in 1998 with Pure Foods Corporation.  In 2001, Pure Foods Corporation was purchased by San Miguel Corporation, the number one food company in the Philippines.  SPAM® Spiced Ham, HORMEL® Vienna Sausage, and TENDER JUICY® Hot Dogs are produced locally, while additional shelf-stable items are imported from the United States.

South Korea

In the early 80's, Hormel Foods established a license agreement with CJ Corporaton for the manufacturing, sales, marketing, and distribution of SPAM® Family of Products in South Korea.  CJ Corporation also imports several other shelf-stable and refrigerated meat products from HFIC.

U.S. Exports

A license agreement was signed in 1987 with Blue Ribbon Products, S.A. for the manufacturing, sales, marketing, and distribution of chilled meat products in Panama.  The agreement is for the production of over 50 refrigerated products including franks, bacon, ham, and turkey items.

Along with alliance relationships, HFIC has a large number of direct sales relationships.  These exist in markets such as Canada, Guam, Japan, and the Caribbean.  These relationships are a key component of the total HFIC business.

With a heritage for high quality and food safety, Hormel Foods provides a variety of flavorful, fresh, and convenient center of the plate foods. We manage to blend cultures and connect local consumers to a more rewarding and enjoyable life for themselves and their families. For each eating occasion there is a Hormel Foods product that delights your palette. Please contact us to find out more about the world of Hormel Foods.

    The Hormel Foods International Corporation Office is located in Austin, MN, at the headquarters of the Hormel Foods Corporation. At this location several important functions of the Corporation's international business are managed. The main functions are Logistical Support, Global Marketing and Executive Management.

    Our Logistical Support Team oversees all aspects of exporting Hormel Foods products from the United States to over 50 countries. This dedicated Staff is ready to help you with order status, transloading of containers and all export documentation. This experienced and knowledgeable group is one of the best at tracking and understanding the ever-changing rules and regulations of global exporting.

    The Global Marketing Team consists of several Product Marketing Managers, under the Direction of a single Director of Marketing. This Team is responsible for generating and executing strategic marketing initiatives for a wide range of branded food products and key segments of international food business. New product development and market-potential evaluation are two key areas of focus for this Group.

    The Executive Management Group is lead by Rick Bross, Group Vice President Hormel Foods Group, President Hormel Foods International Corporation. Mr. Bross and his Team formulate and manage the overall strategic direction for the Hormel Foods International Corporation, continually looking at new opportunities for sustained growth. It is the members of this Team who insure year-over-year growth within our key international business segments as well growth for all our Global Partners.