Hormel Foods innovation
The company has been grinding out new products from both its meat- and non-meat-based brands.
Pour-over chillis
Hormel Foods Corp.
Hormel Foods is launching two new varieties of chili designed as pour-over toppings for hot dogs.
An extension of the Hormel Chili brand, the new Chili Cheese Chili and Coney Island Chili are formulated to offer a thicker product to ensure it remains on hot dogs more consistently than other no-bean chili, Hormel said. The Chili Cheese Chili is a no-bean chili combined with American cheese, while the Coney Island Chili is a no-bean chili blended with mustard and onions.
“Consumers love chili dogs,” said Sarah Johnson, Hormel Chili brand manager. “While usage spikes in the summer, we know consumers enjoy chili dogs year-round. Our new pour-over chilis provide consumers a convenient, exciting and great tasting option to upgrade their daily meal routine.”
Hormel's Chili Cheese Chili and Coney Island Chili products are available in 15-oz cans and are priced between $2.09 and $2.79 at retail food stores across the country.
Wholly Avocado Smashed and Diced Avocado
Hormel Foods Corp.
Rolling out this summer from Wholly Guacamole, a subsidiary of Hormel Foods, are two new Wholly Avocado offerings: Smashed Avocado and Diced Avocado. The smashed product comes in a bag of four single-serve 2-oz cups, while the diced avocado is packaged in an 8-oz tray. Both products are gluten-free, Non-GMO Project verified, kosher, keto-friendly and contain no added preservatives. The offerings are available for a suggested retail price of $4.48 to $4.99.
"Nearly 70% of avocado users throw away all or part of an avocado because it's unusable," said Nahall Kohan, innovation associate brand manager of MegaMex Foods, a joint venture between Hormel and Herdez del Fuerte, SA de CV. "Until now, there hasn't been a solution to this problem. We're proud to debut our new Diced and Smashed Avocado products to provide avocado lovers with a new way to enjoy them, while also preventing food waste. These versatile products are always ready when you are so that you can add avocado goodness to just about anything—from salads to sandwiches to protein bowls."
Skippy Squeeze, No Sugar Added and Added Protein
Hormel Foods Corp.
Hormel has unveiled three new product lines under its Skippy peanut butter brand: Skippy squeeze peanut butter and peanut butter spreads, Skippy no sugar added peanut butter spreads, and Skippy added protein peanut butter. The innovations were designed to provide consumers “even more ways to add high-protein, plant-based functional foods to their diets,” Hormel said.
“We know consumers are looking for new ways to enjoy the peanut butter they love while still delivering on taste and product benefits,” said Jennesa Kinscher, brand manager for Skippy. “We are thrilled to bring the first mainstream squeeze peanut butter and squeeze natural peanut butter spread to the category. It has already become a staple in our home for easy snacking, without the mess.”
Skippy Squeeze peanut butter and peanut butter spreads are debuting with two varieties: creamy peanut butter and natural creamy peanut butter spread. The 6-oz squeeze pouches provide 7 grams of protein per serving.
New Skippy No Sugar Added peanut butter spreads are made with only peanuts, palm oil and salt. Available in creamy and chunky varieties, the Non-GMO Project verified spreads come in 16-oz jars.
Skippy Added Protein peanut butter, available in creamy and chunky varieties, is blended with 3 additional grams of plant-based protein to provide 10 grams of protein per serving. The peanut butter is packaged in 14-oz squat jars.
“In addition to these three new innovation products, we’re equally as excited about their unique packaging,” Ms. Kinscher said. “With Skippy Squeeze and Skippy Added Protein, we’re providing consumers a cleaner and easier way to spread the Skippy peanut butter and peanut butter spreads they love. The convenient, mess-free top of Skippy Squeeze and the wide, squat jar of Skippy Added Protein help us address the dreaded 'peanut butter knuckles.’”
Skippy Added Protein is available at select retailers nationwide, while Skippy Squeeze and Skippy No Sugar Added products are slated to hit shelves in late June.
Herdez Salsa Cremosa
Hormel Foods Corp.
In May, Herdez launched Salsa Cremosa, a new line of creamy salsas featuring authentic Mexican flavors. Available in three varieties, the salsas contain 50 calories, 2 grams of carbs and 1 gram of sugar per 2-tablespoon serving.
The cilantro lime variety blends tomatillos, cilantro, lime zest, garlic and jalapeños. The salsa works well with fish tacos, grilled chicken or pasta salad, the brand said.
The chipotle flavor features the smoky, spicy flavor of chipotle. The salsa complements chicken, pork or seafood and may be used in shrimp tostadas or chipotle chicken taquitos, Herdez said.
The roasted poblano option combines roasted poblano peppers, garlic and cilantro. The salsa may be poured over pasta, as a salad dressing or in roasted poblano chicken, the brand said.
“Fans of Herdez salsa know we stand for simple, quality ingredients that represent the heart and soul of Mexican cooking, and our new Salsa Cremosa line is an extension of that belief,” said Giselle Olson, associate brand manager for MegaMex Foods, a joint venture between Hormel Foods Corp. and Herdez del Fuerte, SA de CV that distributes Herdez products. “Each jar is filled with creamy, unmatched flavor that you and anyone around the table won't be able to resist.”
Herdez Salsa Cremosa products are available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $2.38 to $3.49.
Natural Choice Hardwood Smoked lunch meats
Hormel Foods Corp.
Hormel in May unveiled Natural Choice Hardwood Smoked, a new line of premium slow-smoked lunch meats.
Smoked in netting over wood chips for more than four hours, the meats are available in four varieties: applewood ham, applewood turkey with garlic and herbs, pecanwood ham with sweet black pepper, and pecanwood ham with brown sugar.
“We leaned into the real smoke and premium ingredients with this line and are offering consumers that great hardwood smoked flavor without having to fire up the smoker,” said Samantha Hovland, brand manager for Natural Choice. “Lunchtime is a busy time for people, so we’re helping take the guesswork out of it by providing products that are nutritious, convenient and customizable, and also packed with exciting, authentic flavors. These are premium products, prepared using a prolonged meat smoking technique that's sure to disrupt the category.”
Hormel Natural Choice Hardwood Smoked meats are available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.49 to $4.99.
Applegate Well Carved
Hormel Foods Corp.
Applegate, a subsidiary of Hormel Foods, in April launched Applegate Well Carved, a new line of burgers and meatballs that combine meat with whole organic vegetables, legumes and grains. The products are designed to appeal to consumers who are “mindful of their meat intake and its nutritional, ethical and environmental impact,” the company said.
The Well Carved portfolio includes a grass-fed organic beef burger made with cauliflower, spinach, lentils and butternut squash; and an organic turkey burger, made with sweet potato, great northern bean, kale and roasted onion. The lineup also offers organic Asian-style pork meatballs, made with brown rice, green onion, carrot and parsley; and organic Mediterranean-style turkey meatballs, made with lentils, feta cheese and spinach.
“People love meat and they aren’t going to simply stop eating it, nor should they have to, regardless of how many highly processed soy or pea-based burgers you put on the market,” said John Ghingo, president of Applegate. “Well Carved offers an easy way for consumers to enjoy the real, clean meat they crave while also reducing overall consumption. The Well Carved line shows that better meat is possible.”
Applegate Naturals Chorizo Charcuterie Plate
Hormel Foods Corp.
In March, Applegate, a subsidiary of Hormel Foods, added a new variety to its portfolio of grab-and-go charcuterie plates. The Applegate Naturals Chorizo Charcuterie Plate includes uncured chorizo salami, medium cheddar cheese and milk chocolate covered grain-free pretzels. The plate is gluten-free and non-GMO.
Hormel Pepperoni Cup N’ Crisp
Hormel Foods Corp.
Hormel Foods in March launched Hormel Pepperoni Cup N’ Crisp, a new premium pizza topping designed to curl into a crispy bowl shape as it cooks. Inspired by cupping pepperoni found in pizzerias, the new product comes in original and bold varieties.
“Few things satisfy your senses and capture your attention more than a pepperoni pizza fresh out of the oven,” said Shane Ward, Hormel Pepperoni brand manager. “Hormel Pepperoni Cup N' Crisp is intensely flavored and uniquely formulated to achieve just the right amount of cupping and the perfect crisp, creating an unforgettable experience when crafting pizzeria-style pizzas at home.”
Hormel Cure 81 Vermont maple ham
Hormel Foods Corp.
Hormel in November 2019 expanded its Hormel Cure 81 brand pork portfolio with new Vermont maple spiral sliced half ham.
The bone-in, premium ham features Vermont maple flavor baked into the ham and comes with a glaze packet for added flavor and crunch.
“The new Hormel Cure 81 Vermont maple spiral sliced half ham is fully-cooked and perfect for that special occasion, family get-together, or holiday meal,” said Megan Elliott, brand manager at Hormel Foods. “We noticed maple flavor trending on menus within the foodservice space on restaurant menus, both casual and fine dining. Additionally, we saw maple trending in the grocery store in areas including refrigerated meats, making a real Vermont maple option a natural fit for the Hormel Cure 81 brand.”
The ham is available in the refrigerated aisle of retailers, including Kroger, Price Chopper, Hy-Vee and Brookshire Grocery Co.
Hormel Cure 81 Vermont maple spiral sliced half ham is the first flavored bone-in ham for the brand. The new flavor joins original half and whole bone-in hams in the brand portfolio.
Columbus Charcuterie Tasting Board
Hormel Foods Corp.
In November 2019, Columbus Craft Meats, a subsidiary of Hormel Foods, debuted the Columbus Charcuterie Tasting Board.
Packaged in wood-printed plastic designed to look like a board with a clear film cover, the charcuterie plate includes aged white cheddar cheese, chocolate-covered cranberries, Castelvetrano olives, La Panzanella multigrain crackers and two varieties of Columbus Craft Meats branded salami.
The Italian dry salami is made with select cuts of pork, cracked black pepper, burgundy wine and a blend of spices. The meat is then aged for 21 to 33 days.
The Calabrese salami, inspired by a recipe from the Calabria region of Italy, is made from whole cuts of trimmed pork combined with crushed red pepper and red bell peppers. The salami is air-dried and aged for at least 21 days.
“Our new Columbus Charcuterie Tasting Board is perfect for consumers looking for a premium charcuterie experience, whether they are entertaining or want to bring something to a party,” said Henry Hsia, director of marketing for Columbus Craft Meats. “Instead of having to purchase the items individually and craft a board on their own, consumers can rely on our expertise.”
The 12.5-oz pack is available nationwide for $13.99.
Happy Little Plants
Hormel Foods Corp.
In September 2019, Hormel Foods introduced its Happy Little Plants meat alternative brand. The first product in the line is a ground meat plant-based alternative containing 20 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat and 180 calories per 4-oz serving. A key source of protein is from non-GMO soybeans.
“Our insight is simple,” said James M. Splinter, group vice president of corporate strategy. “Consumers are increasingly curious about and motivated to buy healthy, great tasting sustainable protein choices, not just meat replacements. We believe today’s consumers demand choice and Hormel is perfectly positioned to provide a plant-based protein alternative.”
The ground meat alternative product retails for $8.99.
Mary Kitchen frozen hash
Hormel Foods Corp.
In September 2019, Hormel debuted its Mary Kitchen brand’s first new product outside of the can since first coming off the production line 70 years ago. Mary Kitchen frozen corned beef hash and turkey sausage hash each contain more than 9 grams of protein per serving. The corned beef variety includes corned beef, roasted potatoes, onions, red bell peppers and seasoning, while the turkey sausage hash is made with turkey sausage, sweet potatoes, onions, red bell peppers and seasoning.
“Our new Hormel Mary Kitchen frozen hash products are a perfect way to bring modern day brunch to the comforts of your own home,” said Sarah Johnson, brand manager at Hormel Foods. “It’s restaurant-style quality, convenient to prepare and requires no additional ingredients. However, it’s also versatile and can be used in a variety of fun and delicious recipes to fill your breakfast table with a creative and bold spin on a time-honored classic.”
Single-Serve Natural Choice Lunchmeats
Hormel Foods Corp.
Hormel in August 2019 debuted Single-Serve Hormel Natural Choice Lunchmeats. Each pre-portioned package contains five slices of natural deli meat amounting to 2 oz. Varieties include oven-roasted turkey, applewood smoked turkey, honey ham, and cherrywood smoked ham.
“We’ve received feedback from consumers that smaller households sometimes struggle to get through the entire package of lunchmeat, so we wanted to provide a convenient option for them,” said Samantha Balaski, brand manager for Hormel Natural Choice. “They are also perfect for on-the-go snacks for those seeking additional protein throughout the day.”
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