From the tried-and-true to the new-and-now, discover what you can create with menu-stretching formats that let you experience the strong footprint turkey continues to claim in foodservice.
JENNIE-O® Turkey has been a staple on American dinner tables for over 75 years. This iconic brand has become synonymous with delicious, high-quality turkey products. But where exactly does JENNIE-O® turkey come from?
A Humble Beginning
The JENNIE-O® story begins in 1940 with a man named Earl B Olson. Olson began raising turkeys on a small farm while also managing a local creamery in Minnesota In 1949, Olson took a big step by purchasing a turkey processing plant called Farmer’s Produce Company in Willmar, MN. He quickly shifted the plant’s focus to solely processing turkeys under the JENNIE-O® brand, named after his daughter Jennifer.
Over the next few decades, Jennie-O expanded rapidly by purchasing additional processing plants and ramping up production. By the 1970s and 80s, Jennie-O was pioneering innovative new turkey products like turkey hot dogs and establishing itself as an industry leader.
Acquisition by Hormel
In 1986, after more than 40 years of family ownership, the Olsons sold Jennie-O to Hormel Foods Corporation. Hormel, another Minnesota-based food company, was keen to add Jennie-O’s turkey expertise to its portfolio.
Then in 2001, Hormel further expanded Jennie-O’s reach by acquiring The Turkey Store Company and merging it with Jennie-O. The Turkey Store, founded in 1941 by Wallace Jerome, brought with it additional turkey processing plants and brands.
Today, Jennie-O Turkey Store operates as a subsidiary of Hormel, producing over 1 billion pounds of turkey each year.
Supply Chain
So where does all this turkey come from? Jennie-O works closely with a network of over 200 family-owned turkey farms primarily in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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95% of JENNIE-O’s turkeys are raised within a 100-mile radius of its processing plants. This ensures freshness and minimizes transportation.
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All the turkeys are fed a vegetarian diet with no added hormones or steroids.
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Jennie-O owns some of the hatcheries that produce the poults (baby turkeys). Other independent farms supply poults as well.
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The farmers provide shelter, care, and feed for the turkeys as they grow on the farm for 4-5 months.
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Once the turkeys reach maturity, Jennie-O transports them to its processing plants in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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After processing, the turkeys are packaged, shipped to stores, and finally end up on your table!
So while Jennie-O is the brand name you know, behind each package is a network of family farmers who raised the turkey from poult to maturity. Jennie-O pride itself on these local partnerships that bring you fresh quality turkey direct from the farm.
Next time you sit down to enjoy delicious JENNIE-O® turkey, remember the humble roots that made it possible!
Frequency of Entities:
Jennie-O: 18
Minnesota: 5
Wisconsin: 3
turkey: 15
Hormel: 3
farms/farmers: 5
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From the tried-and-true to the new-and-now, discover what you can create with menu-stretching formats that let you experience the strong footprint turkey continues to claim in foodservice.
Thanksgiving: Jennie-O-Turkey And How It Ends Up On Your Plate | History
FAQ
Where does Jennie-O get their turkeys?
Where is Jennie-O’ Turkey processed?
Is Jennie-O’ Turkey real turkey?
Where is Jennie-O produced?
Where are Jennie-O turkeys raised?
Jennie-O has been working to make its turkey supply traceable for the past year and around 52 farms are currently included in the program. Minnesota raises more turkeys than any other state, around 45 million. The majority of Jennie-O’s turkeys are raised in the state and neighboring Wisconsin. Support the Valley News. Subscribe Today
What is Jennie-O Turkey Store?
A wholly owned subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), Jennie-O Turkey Store offers an array of more than 1,500 high quality fresh, frozen, refrigerated and deli turkey products that are distributed throughout the United States and 27 countries worldwide. JennieO.com
Who is Jennie-O Turkey Store?
Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc. is one of the largest producers of turkey products in the nation. Our products are sold to retail, deli and foodservice outlets. Jennie-O Turkey Store employs in excess of 7,000 employees at its corporate office and plant locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
What makes Jennie-O Turkey Store unique?
Our history, mission and ongoing commitment to innovation make Jennie-O Turkey Store what we are today— a recognized name in turkey products worldwide. After the devastation of an F2 tornado, Jennie-O rebuilds with a state-of-the-art facility. A commitment to giving back. More than 75 years in the turkey industry