Hormel Foods Reports Second Quarter Results

HIGHLIGHTS

¨ Diluted EPS of $.56, up 14 percent from $.49 per share in 2007

¨ Dollar sales of $1.59 billion increased 6 percent from 2007 (up 4
percent excluding acquisitions)

¨ Volume up 5 percent compared to last year (up 3 percent
excluding acquisitions)

¨ Operating profit up 10 percent from 2007

¨ Grocery Products operating profit up 6 percent; volume flat; dollar
sales up 4 percent

¨ Refrigerated Foods operating profit up 26 percent; volume up 4
percent (up 1 percent excluding acquisitions); dollar sales up 4
percent (up 1 percent excluding acquisitions)

¨ Jennie-O Turkey Store operating profit down 16 percent; volume
up 9 percent; dollar sales up 8 percent

¨ Specialty Foods operating profit down 5 percent; volume up 5
percent; dollar sales up 8 percent

¨ All Other operating profit up 20 percent; volume up 7 percent;
dollar sales up 19 percent

The company reported fiscal 2008 second quarter net earnings of $77.6 million, up 14 percent from earnings of $68.0 million a year earlier. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $.56 this year compared to $.49 per share last year. Sales totaled $1.59 billion, up from $1.50 billion in fiscal 2007. For the six months ended April 27, 2008, net earnings were $165.7 million, or $1.20 per diluted share (up 17 percent), compared to $143.3 million a year ago or $1.03 per diluted share. Sales totaled $3.22 billion, up 7 percent, from $3.01 billion in the same period last year.

COMMENTARY

“It was a solid quarter for Hormel Foods. We were able to meet our company objectives for sales and earnings growth in the second quarter amidst a challenging operating environment,” said Jeffrey M. Ettinger, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer. “Our Refrigerated Foods segment led the way, as lower pork input costs combined with increased sales of value-added products provided a significant increase in earnings. Our Grocery Products segment also delivered higher than expected sales and earnings, aided by strong sales of the SPAM family of products and continued growth of theHORMEL COMPLEATS product line.”

“Jennie-O Turkey Store reported a significant decline in earnings as a result of a continued run-up in grain and fuel costs. The Specialty Foods segment also reported a decline in earnings, as a result of increased input and fuel costs. Our International segment had another excellent quarter, posting double-digit increases in dollar sales and earnings, primarily attributable to strong export sales of the SPAMfamily of products and fresh pork. Overall, our balanced model helped to stabilize earnings for the company even when two of our segments experienced a difficult operating environment.”

SEGMENT OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS – SECOND QUARTER

Grocery Products (15% of Net Sales, 32% of Total Operating Profit)

The Grocery Products segment reported a 6 percent increase in operating profit compared to last year. The SPAM family of products had another strong quarter with higher sales and profits due to improved promotional support, national media efforts and expanded distribution of SPAM Singles. Sales of HORMEL COMPLEATSmicrowave meals, HORMEL chili and DINTY MOORE stew also increased in the quarter. Sales of VALLEY FRESH products were down due to competitive pressures. Sales of ethnic products also declined due to lower volumes of CHI-CHI’S sauces and the rationalization of low margin business.

Refrigerated Foods (52% of Net Sales, 43% of Total Operating Profit)

The Refrigerated Foods segment had a strong quarter with operating profit up 26 percent compared to fiscal 2007. Lower hog input costs compared to last year led to higher margins in both value-added products and fresh pork. Sales and volumes also improved in key retail product lines such as HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE deli meats andHORMEL refrigerated entrees. Volumes in the Foodservice business unit were flat for the quarter. We have been able to offset some lost volumes in the casual dining segment by pursuing other channels. The acquisition of Burke Corporation also positively contributed to the second quarter results.

Jennie-O Turkey Store (18% of Net Sales, 9% of Total Operating Profit)

Operating profit declined 16 percent in the Jennie-O Turkey Store segment in the quarter despite an 8 percent increase in sales. Grain-related costs were $39 million higher compared to fiscal 2007. The increase in corn prices during the second quarter added a new layer of costs that were not fully recovered. Given the current market dynamics, we will be reducing our poult placements in our grow-out facilities by approximately 5%. We will also continue to pursue manufacturing efficiencies, customer and product rationalization, and pricing to improve profitability. Sales of value-added retail products continued to grow during the quarter, led by fresh tray pack, turkey burgers and marinated tenders. This helped offset softer sales of certain other value-added retail products, including pan roasts and turkey franks.

Specialty Foods (12% of Net Sales, 12% of Total Operating Profit)

The Specialty Foods segment reported operating profits down 5 percent compared to fiscal 2007. Better results at the Century Foods International business unit from higher sales of nutritional jar and ready-to-drink products did not offset declines in the other business units. Profits declined in the Specialty Products business unit due to higher input costs and lower sales volumes of dry sausage. Diamond Crystal Brands was adversely affected by higher input costs and lower volumes.

All Other (3% of Net Sales, 4% of Total Operating Profit)

The All Other segment, which includes the International business unit, had another excellent quarter with operating profits up 20 percent. Export sales and margins continued to be strong throughout the quarter, particularly for the SPAM family of products and fresh pork. Operating results in our China operations declined due to continued high hog input costs and lower export volumes.

OUTLOOK

“We are reconfirming our fiscal 2008 guidance range of $2.30-$2.40 per share. Although we hope to build on our solid first half results, we anticipate further pressure from increasing grain and energy costs. We also face some uncertainty regarding protein input costs. The strength of our core businesses, the growth of our value-added products and the ability of our people to adapt to changes in the business environment should allow us to meet our goals,” Ettinger said.

DIVIDENDS

Effective May 15, 2008, the Company paid its 319^th consecutive quarterly dividend. The annual rate is $.74.

CONFERENCE CALL

A conference call will be Webcast at 9:00 a.m. CT on Thursday, May 22, 2008. Access is available at www.hormelfoods.com. If you do not have Internet access and want to listen to the call over the phone, the dial in number is 800-218-0713. An audio replay is available by calling 800-405-2236 and entering access code 11113993#. The audio replay will be available beginning at 11:00 a.m. CT on Thursday, May. 22, 2008, through 11:59 p.m. CT on Friday, June 6, 2008. The Webcast replay will be available at 11:00 a.m. CT, Thursday, May 22, 2008, and archived for one year.

Statements Follow

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Segment Data

Fiscal 2008 Second Quarter Segment Operating Results (in Thousands)