Are the Hormel brothers important to Minnesota?

Answer 1

Yes. George A. Hormel founded what was later known as Hormel Foods in Austin, Minnesota in 1891, along with his younger brother Benjamin; several years later, brothers Herman and John also joined the business. Their meat-packing company specialized in pork and beef products. By 1910, Hormel had branches all over the state, and soon they expanded to offices in other states. Hormel also used a delivery system where drivers in special "sausage trucks" brought the fresh meat directly to consumers and also to markets. In addition, the company was credited with creating the first "canned ham" in 1926; it too became very popular nationwide. The success of Hormel Foods meant that it could employ thousands of people and soon Minnesota was known all over the rest of the United States, because so many people saw their newspaper and magazine ads and purchased Hormel products. The Hormel family also became known for its donations to charitable organizations and to the University of Minnesota.