Hormel Foods Corporation Recognized as One of Fast Company's 2025 Brands That Matter
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, has achieved notable recognition by being named to Fast Company's prestigious 2025 Brands That Matter list. This annual accolade highlights brands that significantly resonate with consumers culturally, foster meaningful audience engagement, and demonstrate tangible business impact.
Innovative Marketing Campaign Drives Recognition
Hormel Foods received this recognition for its impactful "Here for the Snacks" Big Game campaign, which successfully shifted the focus from football to snacking, branding it as the true MVP of game day. This campaign leveraged a multi-brand, multi-channel approach that included popular products such as HORMEL® pepperoni, HERDEZ®, WHOLLY®, PLANTERS®, HORMEL® Chili, and Hormel Gatherings®.
The campaign's insight—emphasizing that many fans value food as much, if not more, than the game—struck a chord with consumers, effectively driving engagement and boosting sales.
Statements from Hormel Executives
"We are honored to be named to Fast Company's Brands That Matter list," stated Scott Aakre, group vice president and chief marketing officer for Retail at Hormel Foods. This recognition highlights our approach to creating campaigns that connect with people and our customers, demonstrating how culture—not just promotion—drives brand relevance. It's a testament to our marketing team's creativity in bringing our brands to life.
Fast Company’s Celebration of Marketing Excellence
Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company, expressed enthusiasm about the honorees: "We're thrilled to recognize this diverse group of honorees and highlight the work of exceptional marketing leaders. What unites these brands is their dedication and ingenuity in forging authentic audience relationships through work that resonates in culture."
About Hormel Foods Corporation
Based in Austin, Minnesota, Hormel Foods Corporation boasts approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and is home to an extensive portfolio, including well-known brands such as PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, APPLEGATE®, JUSTIN'S®, and HORMEL® BLACK LABEL®, among others. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats.
- Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best companies to work for.
- Awarded by Newsweek as one of America's most responsible companies.
- Included by TIME magazine in the list of the World's Best Companies.
Hormel Foods remains committed to its mission statement: Inspired People. Inspired Food. This mission reflects the company’s commitment to delivering trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe.
About Fast Company
Fast Company is a unique media brand that focuses on the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design. It engages influential leaders and companies to discuss the future of business, showcasing outstanding marketing strategies and cultural relevance.