AUSTIN, Minn. – Hormel Foods Corporation was named Walmart Supplier of the Year for 2011 for the company's supplier performance and partnership.

The award was presented at the Supplier Summit in Orlando, Fla., in recognition of Hormel Foods' track record of innovation and consistent growth. This is the first year the company has received the overall Walmart Supplier of the Year award.

“We are honored to be recognized by Walmart for this outstanding accomplishment,” said Patrick J. Connor, vice president at Hormel Foods and senior vice president of sales-Walmart. “This award acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of our entire team throughout the US and symbolizes our long-term growth and strategic alignment with one of our top customers.”