Hormel Foods Corporation entered into a definitive agreement to sell its whole-bird turkey processing facility in Melrose, Minnesota, its feed mill in Swanville, Minnesota, and associated transportation assets to Life-Science Innovations.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2026 for Hormel Foods, subject to customary closing conditions.
"Our strategy for sustainable, profitable growth centers on expanding our value-added protein portfolio to meet evolving consumer needs, while reducing our exposure to more volatile, commodity-driven businesses," said Jeff Ettinger, interim CEO, Hormel Foods. "We are confident that this portion of our legacy turkey business will be in good hands under Life-Science Innovations' ownership, given their deep experience and expertise in this area."
Life-Science Innovations will also assume supply contracts with third-party turkey growers that are dedicated to the whole-bird business and provide co-manufacturing services to Hormel Foods through the end of its fiscal 2026, to provide uninterrupted fulfillment of customer orders during the transition.
"This agreement is a continuation of a 75-year relationship with Jennie-O," said Richard Huisinga, CEO of Life-Science Innovations. "We are excited to combine the country's newest, state-of-the-art hen plant, the Minnesota hen-grower families and our recent first-of-its-kind turkey hatchery."
Life-Science Innovations, based in Willmar, Minnesota, is a diversified organization supporting a family of companies that advance the agriculture and poultry industries. Backed by more than 80 years of experience in the turkey industry, from hatching through processing, and strengthened by longstanding partnerships including Turkey Valley Farms in Marshall, Minnesota, the company brings a legacy of expertise to the agriculture and poultry sectors.
The broader array of Hormel's Jennie-O branded products, and ownership of the Jennie-O brand name, are not impacted by the transaction.
"This transaction is an important next step in our evolution," said John Ghingo, president, Hormel Foods. "With a more focused turkey portfolio, we will continue strengthening the value-added aspects of our Jennie-O business. We look forward to working with Life-Science Innovations to ensure a smooth transition for our team members, customers, consumers and suppliers."
Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. Hormel Foods expects the sale to have a minimal impact on its adjusted fiscal 2026 financial results, which will be discussed in more detail during the company's first quarter earnings call on February 26.
