In 2018, 14 clean-label projects were completed.
We have a Health, Science and Wellness Advisory Council (a cross-functional team consisting of research and development, marketing, consumer insights, regulatory affairs and packaging) in place that discusses health and wellness, consumer trends, and initiatives and strategies for our product portfolio.
Clean-Label Initiative
We have implemented a clean-label initiative to simplify the ingredient statements of many of our retail products through the removal or replacement of ingredients, while still delivering great-tasting items that consumers expect. This means products are evaluated for a simpler ingredient list, using ingredients familiar to consumers, and no artificial colors or flavors.
In 2018, we initiated 13 clean-label projects, and 14 clean-label projects were completed. Those completed in 2018 included several of our foodservice products and our retail La Victoria® enchilada sauces.
In addition to the company’s retail products clean-label efforts, our Foodservice division is focusing on clean labels as well. Knowing that foodservice operators and their patrons desire their ingredients and menu items to reflect what they find in their pantries, all Hormel Foods Foodservice innovation efforts will continue to be chef-inspired with easily recognized ingredients, smart sodium levels and on-trend preparation methods. Innovation product successes include Hormel® Fire Braised™ meats, Hormel® Natural Choice® meats and Hormel® FUSE™ burgers. These items are 100 percent natural (minimally processed with no artificial ingredients) with zero preservatives, no artificial colors, no nitrites or nitrates except for those naturally occurring, and have no gluten-containing ingredients.
Sodium Reduction
Our Health, Science and Wellness Advisory Council has set an important sodium reduction goal: By 2020, we aim to reduce sodium levels in select products within our branded retail portfolio by an average of 15 percent.
Sodium Reduction By Product Category
Percent of Sodium Reduction by Category*
*Percent of item sales within category with a sodium reduction or developed with decreased sodium parameters
Hormel Health Labs
Our Hormel Health Labs subsidiary provides food options for health care centers, special care facilities, caregivers and individuals to meet the dietary needs of various conditions. Hormel Health Labs is a leader in providing nutrition resources to people with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) through the Thick & Easy® line of food, beverages and mixes designed to help people continue to enjoy their favorite items safely and tastily.
Hormel Health Labs is also a leader in nutrition for people at risk of malnutrition, which spans many conditions, including cancer treatment, kidney disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, to name a few. Through multiple product lines, we offer a wide variety of highly fortified functional food and beverages.
Please visit the Hormel Health Labs website for more information.