Hormel announced the appointments of Jeff Frank to vice president of Grocery Products, leading the strategic integration of the Planters and Corn Nuts brands into Hormel Foods. The Planters and Corn Nuts acquisition was announced on February 11, and is expected to be completed by the summer. Frank currently serves as vice president of marketing for the Foodservice business within Hormel Foods. Additionally, Annemarie Vaupel, currently director of marketing for the Foodservice division, will advance to vice president of marketing for the Foodservice division.

Hormel's Deli Solutions Group has rolled out its line of Perfect Plate products, making it easier for retailers to deliver what consumers are looking for in a touch-free and convenient meal while easing the back-of-house labor challenges that may come with prepared meal products in a store's deli section.

Hormel has rolled out their new pretzel bites and cheese tray, an addition to the Hormel Gatherings line that capitalizes on the growing snack trend, an increase in home-based working and schooling, and the move to smaller get-togethers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This innovation is the first of its kind for pretzels and complementing cheese cup to be sold in the refrigerated section of the deli.

Hormel Foods announced that Glenn Leitch, executive vice president of supply chain, will retire during the second calendar quarter of 2021. Mark Coffey, currently senior vice president of supply chain and manufacturing for Hormel Foods, will advance to group vice president of supply chain and will lead the company's global supply chain. Additionally, Jen Ehresmann was named to vice president of supply chain. The company's supply chain includes more than 30 production facilities and co-packing partners, producing thousands of products sold worldwide.

Hormel Foods is predicting eight food trends for 2021. "It's no surprise that comfort food, sourdough bread and whipped coffee had big moments this past year, as people hunkered down and spent more time at home than ever before," says Heather Vossler, director of innovation and insights at Hormel Foods. "What's interesting is that as we all eagerly look ahead to the fresh start of a new year, we're seeing people still wanting that comfort and nostalgia, but also on a more elevated and focused level, as individuals continue seeking inspired, yet familiar, food choices."

Hormel announced the opening of its newest production facility, Papillion Foods, located in Papillion, Neb., which will make salami and dry sausage products under the Columbus Craft Meats brand as well as the company's Hormel brand.

Hormel, the makers of Columbus Craft Meats, one of the fastest growing deli brands in the United States, announced the launch of three new items designed as premium charcuterie gift options: Charcuterie 101 Collection, Charcuterie Entertaining Collection and Felino Gold. Each is convenient to give and tempting to purchase for oneself. Charcuterie boxes make excellent corporate holiday gifts for employees and clients and will be shipped directly to recipients. The boxes have limited availability due to the select nature of craft salumi and are not available in stores. 

The Hormel Black Label team brought the flavor and versatility of ranch to life with the latest innovation of Hormel Black Label Ranch Thick Cut Bacon. Ranch lovers can rejoice, because this new flavor is hand-rubbed with ranch seasoning and naturally hardwood smoked to create an irresistible flavor.

The makers of Hormel Black Label Bacon, a leader in breakfast meats in America, announced today the launch of Hormel Black Label Breathable Bacon, a first-of-its-kind innovation. Hormel Black Label Breathable Bacon is a revolutionary face mask featuring the latest in pork-scented technology with two-ply multi-fiber cloth to keep the delicious smell of bacon always wrapped around your nose and mouth. 

Hormel has launched Black Label Oven-Baked Egg Bites and Hormel Black Label Breakfast Combos breakfast items. The new convenience offerings are designed to appeal to the many millions of consumers who want a high-quality, easy-to-prepare breakfast option with protein. Both product lines come in assorted varieties.