The iconic salty and fatty pork bricks sold in over 40 countries around the world came from Austin, Minnesota. Each country sells and cooks Spam in their own way and the museum showcases the respective different packaging and recipe from major markets such as Korea, the Philippines, and China. Staff rove the museum with samples so visitors can try different flavours.
Invented in 1937, the meat soon helped to feed soldiers during WWII when the canned and non-perishable nature of Spam made it the perfect meat to supply to soldiers in crates and without refrigeration. More than 50,000 tons of Spam were sent to allies in Europe and helped feed postwar Asia. Hormel continues to sell Spam, among other foods, to the US military.
Although Hormel has 33 brands under its wing, it’s still most well known for producing Spam. Only a corner of the museum is dedicated to the corporate marketing of its other products, which I applaud. Entry and parking are both free.
