Hormel sells whole-turkey business to another Minnesota company, but Jennie-O remains

February 21, 2026 - 00:34

In a strategic shift reflecting broader industry challenges, Hormel Foods has divested its whole turkey business to Life-Science Innovations, another Minnesota-based agricultural company. The move underscores the pressures facing poultry producers from waning consumer demand for whole birds and unpredictable commodity costs.

While Hormel is exiting the whole-bird market, it will retain its prominent Jennie-O Turkey Store brand, which focuses on value-added products like ground turkey, sausages, and deli meats. This segment aligns more closely with modern consumer preferences for convenience.

The buyer, Life-Science Innovations, is no stranger to the sector, already operating several bird production facilities across Minnesota. The acquisition expands its footprint in the state's agricultural economy. Industry analysts view Hormel's decision as a streamlining effort to concentrate resources on its more profitable, branded product lines amidst a difficult operating environment. The financial terms of the transaction between the two private companies were not disclosed.