Hormel Foods Australia (HFA) has announced it has commenced production of fully cooked meat products from its newly acquired facility in Melbourne, as part of a strategy to increase the company’s local capabilities.
This announcement follows a long history of importing products from the United States.
HFA, a wholly owned subsidiary of the US$6.75 billion Hormel Foods Corporation, has been a long-time importer of canned meats and meals and recently introduced microwaveable ready meals to the product range.
“This acquisition provides a more balanced business model,” said Scott Martin, general manager at HFA.
“In more recent years, our strategy has been to take advantage of the economies of scale and significant product capabilities of our U.S. parent company.”
“Having a production facility in Australia allows us to generate a local income stream, which is a necessary step for HFA to diversify operations and to further our position as a leader in quality food products.”
HFA says it continues to focus on providing convenient and time-saving options for its customers and consumers.
It currently markets a range of leading food products, including the SPAM family of products, Stagg chili, Hormel Compleats microwave meals, Hormel Kid’s Kitchen microwave meals and many others.
The product offerings are made from the highest-quality ingredients and world-class production methods.
“The new capability to produce fully cooked, shelf-stable and frozen meats and meal greatly improves the company’s position to compete in the domestic and export markets,” Martin said.
“We see an immense potential for product development in Australia and aim to utilize the facility to its utmost potential.”
The increased production capability will provide the opportunity for HFA to develop additional fully-cooked shelf stable meal options, refrigerated lamb, beef and chicken products and Halal certified products.