Hormel Foods Named to Fast Company's 2025 Brands That Matter List
Rhea-AI Summary
Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL) was named to Fast Company's 2025 Brands That Matter list on December 3, 2025.
The recognition cites brands that resonate culturally and demonstrate business impact; Hormel Foods earned the honor for its multi‑brand, multi‑channel "Here for the Snacks" Big Game campaign. The campaign united HORMEL pepperoni, HERDEZ, WHOLLY, PLANTERS, HORMEL Chili, and Hormel Gatherings to position snacking as central to game‑day culture. Company marketing leaders commented that the award reflects creative campaigns that connect with consumers and drive results, and Fast Company's editor highlighted the honorees' audience engagement and cultural relevance.
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News Market Reaction – HRL
On the day this news was published, HRL gained 0.78%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +4.2% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 18 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $99M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $12.80B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Key packaged-food peers mostly showed gains, with MKC up 2.39%, PPC up 2.33%, SJM up 0.91%, and GIS up 0.63%, while HRL rose 0.47%. K was roughly flat at -0.02%, suggesting a generally firm sector but no momentum-flagged group move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 04 | Earnings and guidance | Neutral | +3.8% | Reported FY2025 results, non-cash impairments, dividend raise, and 2026 outlook. |
| Dec 03 | Brand recognition | Positive | +0.8% | Named to Fast Company’s 2025 Brands That Matter list for snack campaign. |
| Dec 01 | CSR initiative | Positive | +0.4% | Announced 2025 class of 10 Under 20 Food Heroes focused on food issues. |
| Nov 24 | Dividend increase | Positive | +1.7% | Declared 1% dividend hike to $1.17 annualized, 60th consecutive yearly raise. |
| Nov 17 | Employer recognition | Positive | -1.6% | Named a 2025 Best for Vets employer for 13th straight year. |
Recent positive corporate reputation and dividend news generally coincided with modest price gains, with one CSR-related recognition drawing a negative reaction.
Over the past few weeks, Hormel Foods reported several developments. On Nov 24, it announced a 1% dividend increase to an annualized $1.17, marking the 60th consecutive annual raise. On Dec 4, it posted fiscal 2025 net sales of $12.1B and gave 2026 guidance alongside non-cash impairments. Multiple recognition-focused releases, including Fast Company’s 2025 Brands That Matter list and a “Best for Vets” designation, highlight branding and ESG positioning, consistent with today’s brand-focused announcement.
Regulatory & Risk Context
An effective Form S-3ASR shelf filed on 2025-12-05 allows Hormel Foods to issue senior unsecured debt securities over time, with terms such as maturity and interest rate set later via prospectus supplements. Proceeds may be used for working capital, acquisitions, investments, capital expenditures, debt-related actions, stockholder returns, or other corporate purposes.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights Hormel Foods’ inclusion on Fast Company’s 2025 Brands That Matter list, underscoring the impact of its “Here for the Snacks” multi-brand campaign on cultural relevance and consumer engagement. In the weeks around this news, the company also raised its annualized dividend to $1.17 and issued detailed fiscal 2025 results and 2026 guidance. Investors may watch how these branding efforts support organic sales growth and how any future debt issuance under the universal shelf is deployed.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
"We are honored to be named to Fast Company's Brands That Matter list," said 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 and reflect how culture – not just promotion – drives brand relevance. It's a testament to our marketing team's creativity in bringing our brands to life."
Hormel Foods earned this recognition with its multi‑brand, multi‑channel "Here for the Snacks" Big Game campaign, which positioned snacking – not just football – as the real MVP of game day. The effort pulled together a lineup of beloved brands (including HORMEL® pepperoni, HERDEZ®, WHOLLY®, PLANTERS®, HORMEL® Chili, and Hormel Gatherings®) to deliver on an insight: for many fans, the Big Game is about the food as much, if not more, than the game itself. The campaign not only resonated with consumers – it drove results.
"We're thrilled to recognize this diverse group of honorees and highlight the work of exceptional marketing leaders," said Brendan Vaughan, Fast Company's editor-in-chief. "What unites these brands is their dedication and ingenuity in forging authentic audience relationships through work that resonates in culture."
For more information, visit Fast Company's "Family of Brands" Brands That Matter 2025.
About Hormel Foods – Inspired People. Inspired Food.™
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in
About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in
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SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
FAQ
Why was Hormel Foods (HRL) named to Fast Company's 2025 Brands That Matter list?
When did Hormel Foods (HRL) receive the Fast Company Brands That Matter recognition?
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