Hormel Foods appoints new VP of grocery to lead Planters acquisition deal

22-Feb-2021 - Last updated on 22-Feb-2021 at 17:28 GMT

Picture credits: Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation has added appointed a new VP of grocery products to lead the integration of Planters and Corn Nuts into its brand portfolio.

The company appointed Jeff Frank, who currently serves as VP marketing for Hormel Foods' foodservice business, as VP of it grocery products. In his new role, Frank will lead the strategic integration of the Planters and Corn Nuts brands into the Hormel Foods business, which is expected to be completed by summer 2021.

Earlier this month, Kraft Heinz announced the sale of its nuts business (which includes most products sold under the Planters brand including single variety, mixed nuts, trail mix, Nut-rition products, Cheez Balls, Cheez Curls, and Corn Nuts branded products) to Hormel for $3.35bn.

"The Planters acquisition is the largest in the company's history and one that is going to require dedicated leadership and significant focus," said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer.

"Jeff has broad experience within Hormel Foods and brings extensive retail, foodservice, operational and marketing experience to this new role within our Grocery Products business."

Annemarie Vaupel, currently director of marketing for the foodservice division, will advance to VP of marketing. Vaupel will be in charge of the overall development of marketing, brand strategy and financial performance for the foodservice business.

"She will also be a very strategic and important partner to our foodservice customers, as the foodservice industry continues to recover in 2021," added Snee.