Spam celebrates 86 years of business

(ABC 6 News) – It has been 86 years since Minnesota’s most famous meat set up shop, and took the country by storm.

The first blue and yellow cans of Spam, the salty processed pork, came off the production line in 1937.

Jay Hormel and Hormel Foods Corporation introduced Spam with 6 simple ingredients: pork, salt, water, potato starch and sugar. During World War II, more than 100 million pounds of Spam was shipped abroad to feed Allied troops.

ABC 6 News stopped by the Spam Museum in Austin on Wednesday, and according to their manager, more than 2,000 people have stopped by for a visit since July 1st.

“86 years ago today,” said Savile Lord, the Spam Museum & Community Relations manager, “People think 4th of July celebration but actually the true celebration is when Spam started.”

Over their history, Spam has introduced 20 different varieties, but Spam Classic remains their best seller.