Hormel Unloads Controlling Stake in Justin’s, Shifts Portfolio to ‘Nourishing Protein’

Consumer goods company Hormel Foods, which manufactures brands such as Planters, Skippy and Spam, has finalized its strategic partnership with private investment firm Forward Consumer Partners, selling off partial ownership of the Justin’s brand. 

Forward now owns 51% of the nut butter brand, while Hormel accounts for 49%. Justin’s will operate as a standalone company, led by Peter Burns. 

Hunt Killough will serve as the company’s chief growth and strategy officer, Mark Doiron as chief sales officer, and Jeff Perkel returns to Justin’s to serve as SVP of marketing and e-commerce. He had previously worked with the brand prior to its purchase by Hormel in 2016.