PRESS RELEASE: April 13, 2009

Hormel Foods Honors 69 Suppliers with Spirit of Excellence Award

Apr 13, 2009

AUSTIN, Minn. — Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) today announced 69 suppliers were awarded a 2008 Spirit of Excellence Award for their role in the company's continuous improvement process during the past year. These suppliers are from a variety of service areas, including purchasing, transportation, provisions, producers, contractors, co-packers and local plant suppliers.

"This award showcases the dedication of each of our suppliers to help Hormel Foods achieve the industry's 'gold standard' for quality and product safety," said Melanie A Faust, director of purchasing at Hormel Foods. "Our suppliers are held to the highest standards for quality and the recipients of this award not only provide a high level of customer service and technical expertise in their area, but they continually propose concepts to help Hormel Foods improve its processes."

Suppliers who qualify for the Spirit of Excellence Award must maintain a minimum Supplier Rating Index score of 92 over a 12-month period. This score is determined by a universal measurement system started in 1990, to ensure every supplier is held to the same standards. Criteria for the Spirit of Excellence Award include meeting performance requirements, making on-time deliveries and providing high-level administrative support. Additionally, the committee weighs suppliers' customer support and awareness and commitment to environmental concerns.

The 2008 Spirit of Excellence Award winners include Environmental Land Management!