Tracing the Origins of Hormel Bacon: A Look Behind This Iconic Brand

Crispy, savory bacon is a breakfast staple in many households. And when we think of bacon, the Hormel name comes to mind. But where exactly does Hormel bacon come from? As a major American food brand, Hormel has a long history of quality bacon production. Let’s explore the origins and manufacturing process of this popular pork product.

Humble Beginnings of Hormel’s Bacon Legacy

George A. Hormel founded Hormel Foods in 1891 as a small butcher shop in Austin Minnesota. It started by producing fresh meats sausages, and ham locally. By the early 1900s, Hormel expanded into wholesale distribution of pork and beef products regionally.

In 1926, Hormel released one of the first nationally distributed canned, pre-cooked hams. This increased shelf-life and convenience. Spam followed in 1937 and became a staple for soldiers in WWII.

In the 1950s, Hormel entered the retail bacon market. As refrigeration advanced, Hormel delivered fresh packaged bacon nationwide. Bacon became integral to their growth.

Today Hormel’s refrigerated foods division, including bacon, accounts for $500 million in annual retail sales. After 128 years, bacon remains an iconic Hormel product

Where Hormel Bacon is Produced

Hormel owns over 30 production facilities in the United States, primarily located in:

• Austin, MN (corporate headquarters)
• Algona, IA
• Beloit, WI
• Dubuque, IA
• Fremont, NE

These plants process most pork for Hormel’s retail bacon. The pork comes from Midwest farms that meet Hormel’s animal care standards.

Hormel’s team oversees each step, from meat selection to packaging, ensuring uniform quality and safety.

While exact details are proprietary, Hormel has shared some bacon production secrets.

How Hormel Bacon is Made

To transform pork into tasty bacon slices, it undergoes a multi-step process:

• Pork belly selection – Only the highest quality bellies are hand-picked

• Trimming – Bellies are trimmed to precise size specifications

• Curing – Salt, sugar, and nitrites cure the meat for days

• Smoking – The pork smokes over natural hardwood for flavor

• Cooking – It cooks until the desired doneness is reached

• Slicing – Precise slicing to uniform thicknesses

• Packaging – Hormel vacuum seals the bacon for freshness

Careful smoking and curing techniques passed down for generations produce flawless, consistent bacon.

Range of Retail Bacon Products

From original to turkey, Hormel provides diverse bacon options:

• Black Label – Original, thick cut, lower sodium

• Jennie-O – Maple, applewood, turkey

• Applegate – Natural, organic, turkey

They offer selections to satisfy different preferences and diets. All are crafted using time-honored processes.

Why Hormel Bacon is Trusted

Several factors contribute to Hormel’s bacon leadership:

• 128 years of expertise – Perfected processes over decades

• High food safety standards – State-of-the-art facilities and protocols

• Quality ingredients – Carefully sourced pork and spices

• Precision craftsmanship – Skilled workers oversee each batch

• Product innovation – Diverse portfolio to satisfy all consumers

• Consumer listening – Regular input guides new products

By staying true to founder George Hormel’s commitment to quality and family values, the Hormel name has earned remarkable consumer trust through generations.

Discover Hormel’s Secret to Delicious Bacon

From its early days as a Minnesota butcher shop to a global food giant, Hormel has maintained dedication to bacon excellence. Their proprietary smoking and curing techniques produce consistent, top-quality results every time. When you see the Hormel label, you can bite into that crispy, savory slice with confidence, knowing over a century of bacon mastery went into its creation. So next time you fry up a tasty breakfast of eggs and bacon, remember the rich heritage behind the Hormel name!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hormel Bacon

Who is Hormel Foods?

Hormel Foods is a Fortune 500 company founded in 1891 that manufactures and markets high-quality, brand-name food and meat products globally.

How did Hormel Foods get its name?

The company was founded as George A. Hormel & Company in 1891 by George A. Hormel in Austin, Minnesota. It changed its name to Hormel Foods in 1993.

Who founded Hormel?

George A. Hormel founded Hormel Foods in 1891 in Austin, Minnesota. It began as a small local butcher shop.

How did Hormel become successful in meatpacking?

Key to Hormel’s success is being the first to include nutritional labels on meat, having iconic brands like SPAM, and being guided by strong leadership through competition and innovation.

Where are Hormel’s production facilities located?

Hormel’s over 30 production facilities are primarily located in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. These Midwestern plants process most of the pork used for Hormel’s retail bacon.