Practically an Institution

The SPAM® family of products is all around us. In sandwiches, salads, mac and cheese; with eggs, cheese or pineapples; sliced, diced, baked or fried – the combinations are endless.

No single product in history is better known for its heroics during wartime, its accomplishments during peacetime and its popularity during mealtime than SPAM® classic. After more than seven decades in the marketplace, the SPAM® family of products is still the tasty, high-quality kitchen staple made of 100 percent pure pork and ham that the world has come to know and love.

The SPAM® family of products, conveniently packaged in the famous blue and yellow pull-top cans, offer a distinct savory and salty-sweet taste that has been enjoyed by millions for generations, making it a pop culture icon that has stood the test of time.

Seventy Years and Counting

The first can of SPAM® luncheon meat was produced in 1937 in Austin, Minn. From the beginning, SPAM® was unique—it stood alone in its low price, convenience and delicious taste. It immediately became America’s favorite luncheon meat, and by 1941, 40 million pounds of SPAM® had been sold.

With America’s entry into World War II, SPAM® luncheon meat was called into action overseas. With Allied forces fighting to liberate Europe, we provided 15 million cans of luncheon meat to troops every week. SPAM® luncheon meat became an essential item in soldiers’ diets, often serving as the last line of defense between battle-weary soldiers and starvation. Following the war, world leaders the likes of Dwight Eisenhower, Margaret Thatcher and Nikita Khrushchev all credited SPAM® luncheon meat for its role in the Allied victory.

Post-War Popularity

After the war, SPAM® luncheon meat continued making its mark around the world when it began distributing the already-famous luncheon meat to international markets. Locations in Denmark, the Philippines and South Korea all began producing SPAM® luncheon meat and today, the SPAM® family of products is distributed in 41 countries and trademarked in more than 100 countries on 6 continents.

More than 122 million cans of the SPAM® family of products are sold worldwide each year, 90 million in the U.S. alone (that’s three cans every second!). Hawaii has the highest consumption per capita for SPAM®, where it is available in restaurants, convenience stores and as a staple in nearly every kitchen pantry. The favorite way to enjoy SPAM® in the Aloha state: SPAM® musubi, a tangy, sushi-type roll.

Hitting the one-billion-cans-sold mark in 1959, and selling another billion over the next 11 years, SPAM® luncheon meat was propelled by product innovations and a strong international presence, and it quickly attained an iconic status in the American kitchen. Through more than seven decades, the SPAM® family of products has remained relevant by consistently providing what consumers want—versatility, high quality and good taste.

The Spice of Life

Since its creation, SPAM® has featured variety in its uses and its offerings. SPAM® hickory smoke flavored, SPAM® less sodium and SPAM® lite have been introduced to great success, with SPAM® hot & spicy and SPAM® oven roasted turkey joining the family in the last few years. No refrigeration is needed, making SPAM® luncheon meat convenient for camping, hiking and other outdoor adventures or ideal to keep on hand in the pantry to enjoy any time. Hot or cold, it’s fully-cooked and ready to go whenever or wherever, saving time for busy families.

In September 2001, the 16,500 square foot SPAM® museum opened in Austin, Minn. It is visited by more than 20,000 die-hard SPAM™ fans every year. They clearly know what more and more people are discovering—that the SPAM® family of products are great for yesterday, today and tomorrow. Give it a try, and find out why.