Hormel Foods Announces Retirement, Advancements at Hormel Foods International Corporation

Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) today announced the retirement of James R. Hoffman, vice president of Hormel Foods International Corporation (HFIC) for the Americas, effective January 27, 2012.

"Jim’s leadership and expertise in managing the Americas business has allowed us to grow the presence of our products,” said Richard A. Bross, group vice president at Hormel Foods and president of HFIC. "We wish Jim and his wife, Pam, the best in retirement.”

Maureen A. Lilly will succeed Hoffman as vice president of HFIC for the Americas. She will oversee the sales and marketing of consumer products and foodservice for Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and South America. Lilly joined Hormel Foods in 2003 as the HFIC international sales and marketing manager for Canada. The Canadian business has grown nicely under Maureen’s leadership. She will start her new responsibilities on Jan. 30, 2012, upon Jim’s retirement.

Cheryl Berry will replace Lilly as HFIC international sales and marketing manager for Canada. She will oversee the sales and marketing of consumer products and foodservice for Canada. Berry has more than 20 years of experience in consumer packaged goods, which includes working in retail, foodservice and industrial sales and marketing. Her experience includes working as the region account manager at Golden Gate Margarine, region account manager at Unilever and director of private label sales and marketing at E.D. Smith & Sons.

"We are excited to welcome Cheryl to the HFIC team,” Lilly said. "Based on her previous experience, we look forward to the contributions she will make to continue growing the Canadian business.”

About Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded food and meat products, many of which are among the best known and trusted in the food industry. The company leverages its extensive expertise, innovation and high competencies in pork and turkey processing and marketing to bring branded, value-added products to the global marketplace. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, Maplecroft Climate Innovation Indexes, Global 1000 Sustainable Performance Leaders and was named one of "The 100 Most Trustworthy Companies" by Forbes in 2010. The company enjoys a strong reputation among consumers, retail grocers, foodservice and industrial customers for products highly regarded for quality, taste, nutrition, convenience and value. For more information, visit http://www.hormelfoods.com.